deprecate
Meaning: To express strong disapproval of something; to deplore or condemn. In computing, to mark a feature or practice as outdated and no longer recommended.
Deprecate has two distinct modern uses. In formal English, it means to disapprove of or express regret about something — 'she deprecated the trend towards sensationalism.' In technology, a deprecated feature is one that still works but is officially discouraged in favour of a newer alternative. 'Self-deprecating' (technically 'self-depreciating') means modestly understating one's own abilities, a quality much valued in British culture.
Examples
- The headmistress deprecated the use of mobile phones during school hours. 校长反对在校内使用手机。La directora reprobó el uso de teléfonos móviles durante el horario escolar.校長は学校の時間中の携帯電話の使用に反対の意を表した。교장은 수업 시간 중 휴대전화 사용에 대해 반대 의사를 표명했다.
- Senior officials deprecated the leak, calling it a serious breach of confidentiality. 高级官员对泄密事件表示不满,称其为严重违反保密规定。Los altos funcionarios reprobaron la filtración, calificándola de grave violación de la confidencialidad.高官たちはその漏洩を非難し、守秘義務の重大な違反と呼んだ。고위 관리들은 그 유출을 비난하며 심각한 기밀 위반이라고 칭했다.
- The committee deprecated the practice of awarding contracts without a competitive tendering process. 委员会反对在没有竞争性招标程序的情况下授予合同的做法。El comité reprobó la práctica de adjudicar contratos sin un proceso de licitación competitiva.委員会は競争入札なしに契約を発注する慣行に反対を表明した。위원회는 경쟁 입찰 절차 없이 계약을 발주하는 관행에 반대 의사를 표명했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, academic, technology
Tone: disapproving
Origin & History
From Latin deprecari (to pray against, to avert by prayer), from de- (away) + precari (to pray). The sense shifted from 'praying against' to 'expressing disapproval' by the 17th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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