depreciar
Lemma Details
Translation: to depreciate; to devalue; to devaluate; to disparage; to belittle; to undervalue
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: From Latin 'depretiare', composed of 'de-' (down, away from) and 'pretium' (price, value). The English cognate 'depreciate' shares the same Latin root. The word literally means 'to lower the price or value of something'. This etymology reveals the dual nature of the word: it can refer both to financial devaluation and to diminishing someone's worth through criticism.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Mnemonics
- Think 'de-price-iar' - to lower the price of something
- Similar to English 'depreciate' - both mean to reduce in value
- Remember 'de' (down) + 'precio' (price) - bringing the price down
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In economic contexts, 'depreciar' is commonly used in discussions about currency values, asset accounting, and financial markets. In interpersonal contexts, it carries the connotation of undervaluing someone's worth or contributions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'depreciar' primarily means to reduce in value or to undervalue, 'despreciar' means to despise, scorn, or reject. 'Depreciar' has stronger economic connotations, while 'despreciar' has stronger emotional connotations.
Notes: Both words share the root 'precio' (price), but 'depreciar' is about lowering value while 'despreciar' is about rejecting value entirely.
Mnemonic: 'Depreciar' relates to price (precio), while 'despreciar' relates to stronger feelings of contempt (des-precio = without price/value).
Explanation: 'Depreciar' is the opposite of 'apreciar'. While 'depreciar' means to reduce in value, 'apreciar' means to appreciate, value, or recognize the worth of something.
Confused word:
Aprecio mucho tu ayuda.
I greatly appreciate your help.
Notes: These words are antonyms and represent opposite financial and emotional processes.
Mnemonic: Think of the 'de-' prefix in 'depreciar' as indicating downward movement (devaluation), while 'a-' in 'apreciar' indicates upward movement (appreciation).