Definition of pejoration : a change for the worse : depreciation specifically : an historical process by which the semantic and connotative status of a word tends to decline — compare melioration.

What does pejoration mean in English language?

Definition of pejoration : a change for the worse : depreciation specifically : an historical process by which the semantic and connotative status of a word tends to decline — compare melioration.

What is pejoration in semantics?

In linguistics, pejoration is the downgrading or depreciation of a word’s meaning, as when a word with a positive sense develops a negative one. Pronunciation: PEDGE-e-RAY-shun. Also Known As: deterioration, degeneration. Etymology: From the Latin, “worse”