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Depreciate: meaning, definitions and examples

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depreciate

 

[ dɪˈpriːʃieɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in finance

To diminish in value over time. Depreciation can occur for various reasons, such as wear and tear, obsolescence, or unfavorable market conditions. It is often used in the context of assets like vehicles, machinery, or real estate.

Synonyms

devalue, diminish, weaken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
depreciate

Used when referring to a decrease in the value of an asset over time, often in financial or economic contexts.

  • The company's equipment depreciated by 10% last year.
  • Real estate can also depreciate depending on market conditions.
devalue

Commonly used in economic contexts, particularly in relation to currency. It indicates a deliberate reduction in value by a governing body or a natural loss in value over time.

  • The government decided to devalue the currency to boost exports.
  • Inflation can devalue your savings over time.
diminish

Used in both formal and informal contexts to indicate a reduction in size, importance, or intensity. It is not limited to financial contexts.

  • His influence in the company has diminished since the new CEO was appointed.
  • The pain should diminish over time.
weaken

Often used to describe something losing strength or potency, applicable in various contexts including health, physical strength, and structural integrity.

  • The bridge weakened over the years due to poor maintenance.
  • His arguments weakened her resolve to move forward.

Examples of usage

  • The value of the car depreciated significantly after the accident.
  • This equipment is starting to depreciate due to its age.
  • If the property market crashes, your house could depreciate in value.

Translations

Translations of the word "depreciate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 depreciar

🇮🇳 मूल्य गिरना

🇩🇪 abwerten

🇮🇩 menyusutkan

🇺🇦 знецінювати

🇵🇱 deprecjonować

🇯🇵 価値が下がる

🇫🇷 déprécier

🇪🇸 depreciar

🇹🇷 değer kaybetmek

🇰🇷 가치가 떨어지다

🇸🇦 ينخفض

🇨🇿 znehodnotit

🇸🇰 znehodnotiť

🇨🇳 贬值

🇸🇮 deprecirati

🇮🇸 rýra gildi

🇰🇿 құнсыздану

🇬🇪 დაბალი ფასი

🇦🇿 qiymətdən düşmək

🇲🇽 depreciar

Etymology

The word 'depreciate' comes from the Late Latin 'depretiatus', which means 'to lower the price of'. It first appeared in English in the mid-15th century. The concept of depreciation has been present in economics and finance for centuries, as assets naturally lose value over time due to various factors.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,622, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.