Fill in the blank: the term was used in a _______ sense to demean opponents

Question

The journalist noted that the term had evolved from a neutral descriptor into a _______ label, routinely used to demean political opponents. A). laudatory B). colloquial C). pejorative D). euphemistic

Edvaya · Accepted Answer

The correct answer is pejorative. Pejorative describes a word, phrase, or tone that expresses contempt or disapproval — having a belittling or disparaging connotation. Why "pejorative" fits: The sentence describes a word that has shifted from neutral to one used to demean — precisely the meaning of pejorative. Why the other options are wrong: • Laudatory — expressing praise; the opposite of demeaning. • Colloquial — informal, conversational language; about register, not negativity. • Euphemistic — substituting a mild expression for a harsh one; softens rather than demeans. Example in use: "The word 'bureaucrat' has acquired a pejorative meaning, suggesting inefficiency and red tape." Synonyms: Disparaging, derogatory, demeaning, deprecatory, belittling.

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