Vilipend, pronounced VIL-uh-pend, is a verb meaning to devalue or disparage something. Its etymology combines Latin words for 'cheap/vile' and 'to weigh', signifying 'to deem of little worth'.
Vilipend (VIL-uh-pend) is a verb meaning to hold or treat as of little worth, or to express a low opinion of. It comes from Latin roots meaning 'cheap' or 'vile' and 'to weigh' or 'to estimate'.
| Front | vilipend \VIL-uh-pend\ |
|---|---|
| Back | verb 1. To hold or treat as of little worth or account. 2. To express a low opinion of; disparage. ["Vilipend" first appeared in English in the 15th century and comes to us through French from the Latin roots "vilis," meaning "cheap" or "vile," plus "pendere," meaning "to weigh" or "to estimate." These roots work in tandem to form a meaning of "to deem to be of little worth." Both of those roots have weighed in heavily as a source of common English words. Other "vilis" offspring include "vile" and "vilify," while "pendere" has spawned such terms as "append," "expend," and "dispense."] "But many accepted canine breeds began in lowly circumstances. No matter how we may vilipend their names, denying their cuteness is difficult." — From Bill Casselman's 2010 book Where a Dobdob Meets a Dikdik |
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