desvalorizar
Lemma Details
Translation: to devalue; to depreciate; to devaluate; to undervalue; to diminish in value
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Formed from the prefix 'des-' (indicating negation or reversal) + 'valorizar' (to value, to give value to). The root 'valor' comes from Latin 'valorem' (worth, value), which is also the source of English words like 'value', 'valuable', and 'valorize'. The English cognate 'devalue' follows the same formation pattern with the prefix 'de-' serving the same function as Spanish 'des-'.
Commonality: 50%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think 'des' (un-) + 'valor' (value) + 'izar' (to make) = 'to make unvalued' or 'to remove value'
- Similar to English 'devalue' with the Spanish structure
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Often used in economic contexts when discussing currency or asset depreciation, but also in social contexts when referring to the diminishing of someone's work or efforts.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While both mean 'to devalue', 'devaluar' is more commonly used specifically for currency devaluation in economic contexts, whereas 'desvalorizar' has broader applications including social and personal contexts.
Notes: In many contexts, these verbs can be used interchangeably, but 'devaluar' tends to be more technical and economic.
Mnemonic: 'Desvalorizar' contains 'valor' (value) making it more general, while 'devaluar' sounds more technical like 'evaluate' in English.
Explanation: 'Desvalorizar' means to reduce or remove value, while 'despreciar' means to despise or look down upon something or someone.
Notes: Though both involve negative assessment, 'despreciar' is more about emotional rejection while 'desvalorizar' is about reducing worth.
Mnemonic: 'Despreciar' contains 'precio' (price) but with a negative emotional connotation, while 'desvalorizar' is about objective value.