Honors English III Vocabulary Practice Test

The main idea here is picking a verb that means to belittle someone or something by speaking slightingly. Disparage fits this sense best: it means to speak about someone or something in a way that devalues them, suggesting they are not worthy of respect. This captures the act of belittling through words.

Cogitate means to think deeply or reflect; it has nothing to do with belittling. Conjecture refers to forming an opinion or guess based on incomplete evidence, not to denigrating someone. Cursory describes something done quickly and without thoroughness, and while it can imply a lack of care, it doesn’t convey belittling in speech.