Dictionary.com

depreciate

[ dih-pree-shee-eyt ]
/ dɪˈpri ʃiˌeɪt /
Save This Word!
See synonyms for: depreciate / depreciated on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), de·pre·ci·at·ed, de·pre·ci·at·ing.
to reduce the purchasing value of (money).
to lessen the value or price of.
to claim depreciation on (a property) for tax purposes.
to represent as of little value or merit; belittle.
verb (used without object), de·pre·ci·at·ed, de·pre·ci·at·ing.
to decline in value.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of depreciate

First recorded in 1640–50; from Late Latin dēpretiātus “undervalued” (past participle of dēpretiāre; in Medieval Latin spelling dēpreciāre ), equivalent to Latin dē- “away from, out of” + preti(um) “price” + -ātus past participle suffix; see de-, price, -ate1

historical usage of depreciate

4. See deprecate.

OTHER WORDS FROM depreciate

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH depreciate

deprecate, depreciate (see word story at deprecate)

Words nearby depreciate

deprecated, deprecation, deprecative, deprecatory, depreciable, depreciate, depreciation, depreciatory, depredate, depredation, depress
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to depreciate

decrease, depress, deteriorate, diminish, dwindle, erode, lessen, lower, soften, undervalue, worsen, write off, abate, cheapen, decay, decry, deflate, downgrade, drop, fall

How to use depreciate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for depreciate

depreciate
/ (dɪˈpriːʃɪˌeɪt) /
verb
to reduce or decline in value or price
(tr) to lessen the value of by derision, criticism, etc; disparage

Derived forms of depreciate

depreciatingly, adverbdepreciator, noundepreciatory (dɪˈpriːʃɪətərɪ, -trɪ) or depreciative, adjective

Word Origin for depreciate

C15: from Late Latin dēpretiāre to lower the price of, from Latin de- + pretium price

undefined depreciate

Avoid confusion with deprecate
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK