depreciate - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
depreciate Word Meanings
- to reduce in value or worth
- to diminish in importance or esteem
depreciate Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
depreciate Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈpriːʃieɪt/
US
/dɪˈpriːʃieɪt/
depreciate Word Etymology
Root: de- (down) + preciate (value), from Latin 'depreciatus'. Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Memory image: Imagine coins losing their shine and worth over time, slipping between your fingers, just like the value of a depreciated asset.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Depreciate is a verb used when something loses value or importance over time. In finance, it describes a decrease in an asset’s monetary value due to wear, aging, or market factors. In a broader sense, it can also mean to lessen someone’s reputation or the perceived importance of a concept, event, or rule. The word comes from de- (down) + preciate (value), with roots in Latin depreciatus; English borrowed it via Old French. Learners should note the common confusion with appreciate: depreciation is a decline, while appreciation is an increase. In everyday usage, collocations include depreciate quickly, gradually depreciate, or depreciation expense in accounting.
Usage Reminders
- - Learn the base meaning: decline in value or importance.
- - Distinguish depreciate from appreciate.
- - Use with assets (depreciate in value) or reputations (depreciate in esteem).
- - In accounting, note depreciation as a noun.
- - Watch collocations: depreciate quickly / gradually.
- - Practice with real-world examples in finance or everyday talk.
Common Misconceptions
- Depreciate is the opposite of appreciate, not just a synonym for cheaper or lesser value.
- People often misapply it to people’s feelings as if reputations can physically depreciate like goods.
- Confusion with depreciative vs depreciated forms: confuse base form with past tense.
- Assuming depreciation only applies to money, ignoring non-financial meaning.
- Mixing up depreciation (expense) vs depreciated (past participle) in sentences.
Thinking Differences
English often treats depreciation as both financial decline and reputational loss; learners should differentiate the verb from the noun depreciation and note that appreciate is the opposite.
Learning Tips
- Build a clear mental map: value decline vs reputation decline.
- Always pair with a subject (the asset depreciates, reputations depreciate).
- Practice with financial contexts and everyday talk.
- Learn the noun depreciation for accounting.
- Avoid mixing with appreciate; they are opposites.
- Use collocations like depreciate quickly or gradually.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does 'depreciate' mean?
A.To reduce in value or worth
B.To increase in value
C.To celebrate something
D.To maintain a value
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'depreciate' correctly?
A.As we progress, we should never depreciate our efforts.
B.The car will depreciate quickly once you drive it off the lot.
C.She tried to depreciate his achievements in front of the audience.
D.The food prices tend to depreciate when the harvest is plentiful.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'depreciate'?
A.Appreciate
B.Diminish
C.Enhance
D.Multiply
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'depreciate'?
A.Decline
B.Appreciate
C.Waste
D.Reduce
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a scenario where 'depreciate' would apply?
A.In the classroom, students appreciate good teaching methods.
B.His fame seems to appreciate over the years.
C.When the new model was released, older cars began to depreciate.
D.The value of the house is likely to decrease over time.
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