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 Many then paid full price or more, with their vehicles depreciating faster than expected as the auto industry and inventories normalized. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2024 As a result, software code itself is depreciating in value. Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 Allowing the currency to depreciate somewhat after a strong run makes sense and demonstrates the central bank’s easing stance. Brendan Ahern, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024 Higher utilization means more customers are using the service, which eventually materializes into more profits to help cover costs on the depreciating vehicle asset. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 21 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for depreciate 

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 4 Nov. 2024.

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

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