Depreciative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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depreciative

[dɪˈpriːʃiˌeɪtɪv ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a sentence

Expressing disapproval or criticism; belittling or derogatory.

Synonyms

belittling, derogatory, disparaging.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
depreciative	Use this in formal or technical contexts to describe a comment or attitude that makes something seem less valuable or less important. His depreciative remarks about the new policy were not well received.
disparaging	Use this in both formal and informal contexts when someone is speaking in a way that shows they have little respect for someone or something. It is somewhat similar to 'belittling' but can be more formal. The article was full of disparaging remarks about the actress.
derogatory	Use this for serious or strong language that shows disrespect or a low opinion of someone or something. This word carries a negative connotation. His derogatory comments about his colleagues eventually got him into trouble.
belittling	Use this in everyday contexts when someone is making another person or their achievements seem small or unimportant. It often involves making someone feel inferior. She always has a belittling comment about my work.

Examples of usage

The critic's depreciative remarks about the movie were harsh.
Her depreciative attitude towards her colleagues made for a hostile work environment.
He couldn't help but make a depreciative comment about her appearance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Using depreciative language can affect individuals' self-esteem, making them feel less valued.
Negative feedback can result in a 'self-fulfilling prophecy' where a person's confidence continues to decline due to constant criticism.
Studies suggest that the way we speak about ourselves and others can shape our mental outlook.

Economics

In finance, depreciation is an important concept used to account for the reduction in value of an asset over time.
Certain assets like cars depreciate quickly, losing a significant portion of their value the moment they are purchased.
Devaluation in currency impacts trade, making imports more expensive and affecting the global economy.

Art and Literature

In literature, characters who show depreciative attitudes often introduce conflicts, emphasizing themes of worth and value.
Art critiques can be seen as depreciative, where artists challenge traditional notions of beauty and worth.
Many famous authors have used depreciative language to enhance character development or to establish moral lessons.

Pop Culture

In modern media, reality shows often depict characters displaying depreciative behavior toward others for entertainment.
Social media trends sometimes lean towards depreciative humor, which can be both funny and hurtful, depending on context.
Depreciative humor can be found in stand-up comedy, where comedians use put-downs to elicit laughter while commenting on social norms.

Origin of 'depreciative'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'depreciare,' which means 'to lower in price or value.'
It entered the English language in the early 19th century, becoming common in discussions about money and value.
Related words include 'depreciate,' which refers to the reduction in value, particularly for assets.

The word 'depreciative' comes from the verb 'depreciate', which in turn comes from the Latin 'depretiatus', past participle of 'depretiare', meaning 'to lower the price of'. The term has evolved to also encompass the idea of belittling or criticizing something, reflecting a negative connotation.