deprecatory

1 8.5

Showing that you disapprove of something or think it is unimportant

adjective
/ˈdɛprɪkəˌtɔri/

: desaprobatorio

But it seems to me that Shirpy's tone towards sitcom-watching is somewhat deprecatory.
self-deprecatory

Examples

"Sandrig managed a sudden, deprecatory smile.

Fiction book (1990)
Self-deprecatory humor, have you heard of it?

Blog text (3)
Myles made a deprecatory gesture.

Fiction book (1992)
Then Barbara said, "That pyramid must be full of things like that!" Root made a deprecatory noise in his throat.

Fiction book (1992)
Eleanor would be a happier person if she had a tenth of Patrick's self-deprecatory humor.

Fiction book (1994)
She gave a deprecatory laugh when her friend suggested the idea was worth discussing.
His deprecatory remarks about the project made everyone feel unappreciated.
The critic's deprecatory review left the artist feeling disheartened.

Synonyms

dismissive

vsdeprecatory

43 5.6

Acting as if someone or something is not important

expresses active criticism and aims to make things seem unimportant

disapproving

vsdeprecatory

5 3.4

Showing that you do not agree with or like something

also carries the aim of making things seem unimportant

reproachful

vsdeprecatory

2 6.5

Showing disapproval in voice or look

focuses more on disapproval that reduces importance than on blame

uncomplimentary

vsdeprecatory

1 6.8

Saying bad things about someone or something

is stronger, actively aiming to lessen importance or worth

deprecating

vsdeprecatory

1 6.9

Showing that you think something is not good or important

focuses on criticism and downplaying importance

disparaging

vsdeprecatory

Offensive

1 7.0

Showing a low opinion of someone or something

leans more toward active criticism and downplaying worth

deprecative

vsdeprecatory

7.6

Showing you do not like or value something

has identical meaning but differs in form or usage

depreciatory

vsdeprecatory

8.2

Showing that someone or something is not important and often insulting them

is broader, applying to criticism and general downplaying

depreciative

vsdeprecatory

Offensive

7.8

Expressing a low opinion of someone or something

is broader, covering disapproval beyond value reduction

belittling

vsdeprecatory

6.2

Showing that someone or something has little value

is similar but often focuses on general criticism rather than value only

slighting

vsdeprecatory

Offensive

8.0

Showing little respect and trying to make someone feel unimportant

is primarily about criticism and downplaying rather than open insult

Antonyms

praiseworthy

5 4.5

Deserving approval or admiration

commendatory

Literature

7.5

Showing praise for someone or something

How Disapproving

scornful

7 5.1

derogatory

39 6.9

deprecatory

1 8.5

disparaging

Offensive

1 7.0

dismissive

43 5.6

Surface Forms

deprecatory positive

Morphology

deprecatory = deprecate (transparent) = deprecate + ory

Formed by the regular adjective-forming suffix '-ory' from the verb 'deprecate', so the meaning 'expressing disapproval' is directly derived.

Etymology

Deprecatory comes from the old Latin verb deprecari, which meant 'to pray against' or 'to beg to keep something away'. Over time that idea of 'asking against' became 'showing dislike', so a deprecatory remark is one that shows disapproval or makes something seem unimportant.