'disparage' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'desparagier,' where 'des-' meant 'away' and 'parage' meant 'rank or lineage.'

'desparagier' transformed into the Middle English word 'disparagen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'disparage.'

Initially, it meant 'to marry someone of unequal rank,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to belittle or devalue someone or something.'