Deprecate: meaning, definitions and examples

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deprecate

 

[ ˈdɛprɪkeɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

software development

To deprecate something is to express disapproval of it or to suggest that it is outdated or obsolete. In software development, it often refers to a feature that is still available but is recommended against using due to better alternatives. When a function or method is deprecated, it is a way for developers to guide users towards newer, more efficient implementations without removing functionality immediately. Over time, deprecated items may be completely removed in future updates.

Synonyms

belittle, disapprove, dissapprove

Examples of usage

  • The old API was deprecated in the latest version.
  • Developers are encouraged to replace deprecated methods.
  • Deprecating functions helps maintain cleaner code.

Translations

Translations of the word "deprecate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deprecar

🇮🇳 उपेक्षा करना

🇩🇪 entwerten

🇮🇩 menghapus dukungan

🇺🇦 знецінювати

🇵🇱 deprecjonować

🇯🇵 非推奨とする

🇫🇷 déprécier

🇪🇸 depreciar

🇹🇷 değersizleştirmek

🇰🇷 가치를 떨어뜨리다

🇸🇦 إزالة الدعم عن

🇨🇿 deprecovat

🇸🇰 deprecovať

🇨🇳 贬值

🇸🇮 deprecirati

🇮🇸 rýra

🇰🇿 құнсыздандыру

🇬🇪 გაფუჭება

🇦🇿 dəyərdən düşmək

🇲🇽 depreciar

Word origin

The term 'deprecate' originates from the Latin word 'deprecari', which means 'to pray against' or 'to ward off by prayer'. In English, it came into use in the mid-17th century, initially implying a sense of expressing disapproval or belittling something. The transition of meaning towards software is rooted in this original concept of disapproving, eventually evolving to represent features or practices that should be avoided due to better alternatives. With the rise of computer programming and software engineering in the late 20th century, the idea of deprecating functions and features found a new home in technical vocabularies, emphasizing the importance of updating and maintaining code quality while still recognizing the legacy of older implementations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,021, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.