Definition
Deprecatory means expressing disapproval or belittling something or someone. It is often used to indicate a negative or critical opinion of someone or something.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Adjective
Synonyms
disapproving, belittling, critical, derogatory, contemptuous, depreciative, disdainful, scornful, detractive, pejorative.
Antonyms
complimentary, approving, flattering, laudatory, respectful.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | deprecation, deprecations |
| Verb | deprecated, deprecates, deprecate, deprecating |
| Adjective | deprecative, deprecatory |
| Adverb | deprecatively |
Example Sentences
-
His deprecatory remarks about the restaurant made me change my mind and decide to eat somewhere else.
-
Sally’s deprecatory tone indicated she did not value the project as much as she should.
-
The manager’s deprecatory comments about the employees clearly demonstrated his lack of respect for their work.
-
The professor’s deprecatory feedback on the essay left the student feeling discouraged and unappreciated.
Usage
Deprecatory is an adjective that is often used to describe statements or actions that show disapproval or a lack of appreciation for something or someone. It can be used to indicate criticism or contemptuousness, often with the intention of lowering or belittling the perceived value of somebody or something. This word is commonly used in both casual and formal language, particularly in contexts where the speaker wants to express a negative opinion without being overly explicit or rude.
The word ‘depreciatory’ is formed from the root word ‘depreciate,’ which means to lower or reduce the value of something or someone. The suffix ‘ory’ is added to form an adjective that describes the action of depreciation. The prefix ‘de-’ meaning ‘down’ gives the connotation of lowering or reducing the value of something or someone.
It is a negative term and is usually used in a critical or disapproving context. You would often hear this adjective used to describe a person’s speech, attitude, or habits. In academic writing, the word deprecatory may be used to critique someone’s work or ideas, indicating that the speaker holds a negative opinion about the subject being discussed.
Overall, deprecatory is a useful term for expressing disapproval or criticism in a nuanced and subtle way. While it may be considered a bit old-fashioned or formal, it remains a useful tool for people who want to express negative opinions without being overly confrontational.