The expression of disapproval or criticism, often in a way that belittles or diminishes the value of something. It can also mean prayer against evil or misfortune.
From Latin 'deprecari,' meaning 'to pray against' or 'to ward off by prayer' (de- 'away' + precari 'to pray'). Originally referred to praying against evil, but evolved to mean expressing disapproval or warding off through criticism.
Think of 'praying away' something bad - you're 'de-praying' or praying against it! When you deprecate something, you're essentially 'praying it away' through criticism, like trying to ward off its influence.
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