Negative Connotations:
* The politician's speech denigrated his opponent's record, focusing solely on his perceived flaws.
* It's important to avoid denigrating other cultures, as it fosters disrespect and prejudice.
* The article denigrated the artist's work, dismissing it as derivative and unoriginal.
Neutral Connotations:
* While the critic denigrated the play's plot, he praised the actors' performances. (Here, "denigrate" simply means to criticize negatively.)
* The historical document denigrated the actions of the ruling class, highlighting their abuses of power. (In this case, "denigrate" means to criticize something for its negative aspects.)
Key Points:
* "Denigrate" often implies a deliberate and unfair attempt to damage someone's reputation or undermine their work.
* It's a strong word, so be mindful of the context when using it.
* You can use synonyms like "belittle," "disparage," or "slander" to convey similar meanings.