The word "depreciate" (/dɪˈpriːʃieɪt/) derives from the Latin word "depretiare", meaning "to lower the price of". It is spelled with an "i" immediately after the "p" as it is a common practice in English language to use "i" before "e" except after "c", however, in the case of the word "depreciate", the letter "c" is not involved after "p". The pronunciation of the word involves emphasis on the "pri" sound, followed by a slight elongation of the "ate" sound at the end.
Depreciate is a verb that refers to the decrease in value of an asset, such as a currency, real estate, or machinery, over time. It describes the decline in worth or market price of an item due to various factors such as wear and tear, obsolescence, or a decrease in demand.
In the context of finance and economics, the term is commonly used to describe the decline in the value of a currency relative to another currency or a standard such as gold. When a currency depreciates, it means that it takes more units of that currency to buy the same amount of goods or services. This can occur due to factors such as inflation, economic instability, or a decrease in investor confidence.
Aside from currency, depreciable assets like vehicles, technology, and buildings also experience depreciation. Over time, these assets lose value due to factors such as regular use, natural deterioration, or advancements in technology that make them less desirable or efficient.
Depreciation is often calculated and recorded for accounting and tax purposes to reflect the decrease in value of an asset over its useful life. It allows businesses and individuals to track the declining value of their assets and factor it into financial planning, reporting, and tax calculations.
Overall, depreciation is a term used to describe the decline in value or worth of an asset or currency over time, which can occur due to various factors.
To lessen the price or value of a thing; to decry; to underrate; to become of less worth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "depreciate" originated from the Latin term "depretiare", which is a combination of the prefix "de-" meaning "down" or "away", and the verb "pretiare" meaning "to value" or "to appraise". Over time, the Latin term evolved into the Middle English word "depreciat", which continued to carry the meaning of lowering the value or price of something. Eventually, it developed into its current form, "depreciate", which is used to describe the decrease in value or worth of an asset or an individual's esteem.