Deprecate
Verb
Definition: To protest against or express disapproval of something.
Synonyms: Criticize, Condemn, Denounce
Antonyms: Endorse, Support, Praise
- The teacher deprecated the use of calculators during exams.
- The artist's latest painting was deprecated by art critics.
- Think of "depreciate" as a similar word, which means to decrease in value. Deprecating something means expressing disapproval, which can decrease its value in a way.
Etymology:
The word "deprecate" comes from the Latin word "deprecat-" meaning "to ward off by prayer." It entered English in the 17th century.
Historical Usage:The word has been used consistently with its current definition, relating to expressing disapproval, since its origin.
Related Idioms:
"Deprecate oneself"
Explanation:This phrase is used to describe someone expressing excessive modesty or self-deprecation.
Misconceptions:
Confusing "deprecate" with "depreciate" or "depreciate" with "deprecate."
Explanation:While the words "deprecate" and "depreciate" sound similar, they have different meanings. "Deprecate" means expressing disapproval, while "depreciate" means to decrease in value or worth. Similarly, "deprecate" should not be confused with "depreciate," which is different in both meaning and pronunciation.