self-depreciation
- noun
- /sɛlf-dɪˌpriːʃiˈeɪʃən/
- We know such litanies in our own hearts, and can only be grateful that the mercy of God is more powerful than our attempts either at self-justification or self-depreciation.
Examples
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Despite his achievements, his self-depreciation often left him feeling unappreciated.
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It includes a sense of self-depreciation.
Academic text (2011) -
His constant self-depreciation made it hard for others to see his true talents.
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She spoke with self-depreciation, joking about her mistakes during the presentation.
Synonyms
A state of being lower than others in ability, status or value
A strong, lasting feeling of not being good enough
A feeling that you have no value or importance
A situation in which something has no value
A feeling that you are not worthy of praise or reward
Antonyms
How Self-Deprecating
Surface Forms
Morphology
self-depreciation = depreciation (semi-transparent) = self + depreciate + ion
Formation is structurally clear (self- + depreciation), but the form is a less common variant of 'self-deprecation' and 'depreciation' is often known chiefly in an economic sense, which may confuse learners.
Etymology
Self-depreciation combines self- and depreciate, and de- means 'down' while preci- means 'value', as in the word appreciate. So self-depreciation is literally making your own value feel 'lower', which is why it means saying or feeling you are 'not worth much'.