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Definition of deprecating

deprecating

/ˈdɛp.ɹə.keɪ.tɪŋ/
dep · re · cat · ing
Adverb:deprecatingly
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deprecating Lexical Profile

deprecating Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Expressing modest, apologetic, or humorous belittlement of oneself or one's own achievements.

Example

"With a deprecating smile, she attributed her championship victory entirely to luck."

2

Expressing disapproval, criticism, or a low opinion of someone or something.

Example

"The critic offered a few deprecating remarks about the novel's predictable plot."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Often confused with 'depreciating'; while 'deprecating' means expressing disapproval or modestly belittling oneself, 'depreciating' primarily refers to a decrease in monetary value over time.

• Nearby Words

depraver
depravity
deprecated
deprecating
deprecation
depreciate
depreciation

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the present participle of 'deprecate', which comes from the Latin 'deprecatus', meaning 'to ward off by prayer', formed from 'de-' (away) and 'precari' (to pray).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deprecating. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deprecating
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