What does "derogate" mean?

Derogate comes from the Latin word derogare, which means "to lower in rank or dignity" or "to subtract from." In English, derogate can be used as a verb or an adjective.

As a verb, derogate means to lower in rank or dignity, to depreciate, or to disparage. For example:

* The new policy derogates the rights of minorities.
* The manager derogated the employee's work in front of the whole team.

As an adjective, derogate means inferior or subordinate. For example:

* The derogate status of women in society has been a long-standing issue.
* The company treats its temporary workers as derogate employees.

In legal contexts, derogate can refer to a provision in a treaty or law that allows for exceptions or deviations from the main rule. For example:

* The treaty derogates from the principle of equal pay for equal work.
* The new regulations derogate from the previous standards.