deprecate
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “deprecate” mean?
verb.to express disapproval of.
SAT Usage
the term typically appears in passages discussing criticism, social norms, or cultural values. It emphasizes a more nuanced form of disapproval that often reflects a moral or ethical stance, distinguishing it from mere disagreement or criticism by suggesting a deeper disdain or rejection of the subject's worth or validity.
Common Confusions
Deprecate implies a moral or ethical disapproval of something's worth, while criticize usually suggests a more general assessment or evaluation without the same depth of disdain.
Example Sentences
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He deprecates any praise of his own merits.
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It is still supported but strongly deprecated.
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Although he often chose to deprecate his own accomplishments, his friends insisted they were deserving of recognition and praise.
Word Parts: How to Remember “deprecate”
Break “deprecate” into its parts: de- (down, away, un-). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
de-down, away, un- (Latin)