depreciate

verb

de·​pre·​ci·​ate di-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt How to pronounce depreciate (audio)
depreciated; depreciating

transitive verb

1
: to lower in honor or esteem
often depreciates the importance of her work
2
a
: to lower the price or estimated value of
depreciate property
b
: to deduct from taxable income a portion of the original cost of (a business asset) over several years as the value of the asset decreases

intransitive verb

: to fall in value
advised us to sell the stock before it depreciates
depreciable adjective
depreciatingly adverb
depreciation noun
depreciative
di-ˈprē-shə-tiv How to pronounce depreciate (audio)
-shē-ˌā-tiv
adjective
depreciator noun
depreciatory adjective
Choose the Right Synonym for depreciate

decry, depreciate, disparage, belittle mean to express a low opinion of.

decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit.

decried their defeatist attitude

depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.

critics depreciate his plays for being unabashedly sentimental

disparage implies depreciation by indirect means such as slighting or invidious comparison.

disparaged polo as a game for the rich

belittle usually suggests a contemptuous or envious attitude.

belittled the achievements of others

Examples of depreciate in a Sentence

These changes have greatly depreciated the value of the house. The value of the house has depreciated greatly.
Recent Examples on the Web The peso has depreciated around 60% compared to the U.S. dollar over the past year. Almuneda Calatrava, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 Sep. 2023 Taking Advantage of the Rising Price of Gold Investments For centuries, the worth of gold has never depreciated. Laxmi Corp, The Salt Lake Tribune, 11 Sep. 2023 Exports would suffer, unemployment would increase, and the U.S. dollar would depreciate. John Gustavsson, National Review, 10 Sep. 2023 Joe Biden is seen right now as a depreciating asset. ABC News, 27 Aug. 2023 Cars are usually depreciating assets, meaning their overall value drops over time, so not all vehicles will qualify for refinancing. Ashley Donohoe, Car and Driver, 2 Sep. 2023 Argentina is struggling with annual inflation over 100%, rising poverty and a rapidly depreciating currency, and Milei first attracted wider support by calling for the country to replace the peso with the U.S. dollar. Daniel Politi, Anchorage Daily News, 14 Aug. 2023 Discontent is widespread in Argentina, which is struggling with annual inflation over 100%, rising poverty and a rapidly depreciating currency, Milei attracted support by calling for the country to replace the peso with the U.S. dollar. Time, 14 Aug. 2023 Networks, looking to cut costs, can declare that an asset (in this case, a show) has depreciated more rapidly than anticipated. WIRED, 25 July 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'depreciate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin depretiatus, past participle of depretiare, from Latin de- + pretium price — more at price entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of depreciate was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near depreciate

Cite this Entry

“Depreciate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depreciate. Accessed 1 Oct. 2023.

Kids Definition

depreciate

verb
de·​pre·​ci·​ate di-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt How to pronounce depreciate (audio)
depreciated; depreciating
1
: to lower the price or value of
depreciate the currency
2
: to represent as of little value : disparage
3
: to fall in value
new cars depreciate rapidly
depreciative
-ˈprē-shət-iv
-shē-ˌāt-iv
adjective
depreciatory adjective

Legal Definition

depreciate

verb
de·​pre·​ci·​ate di-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt How to pronounce depreciate (audio)
depreciated; depreciating

transitive verb

: to subject to depreciation : lower the value of

intransitive verb

: to fall in value compare appreciate

More from Merriam-Webster on depreciate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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