Derogates is a term that refers to belittling or diminishing someone or something's value or worth. Synonyms for this word include disparage, discredit, devalue, malign, and undervalue. Each word brings a different connotation to the situation, such as disparage implies a somewhat passive criticism, while malign is more aggressive in its attempt to discredit. But all of these synonyms are used with the intention of downplaying the importance of something or someone, or to harm someone's reputation. It's essential to understand the subtleties of each word and use them appropriately to ensure effective communication.