Deprecate/Depreciate & Averse/Adverse
Debbie from Elk Rapids
called in two word pairs that can confuse a hasty reader. They are
deprecate/depreciate and averse/adverse.
At the core of the word
deprecate is the Latin word for prayer. Originally, deprecate meant to pray for
deliverance from something undesirable. In a short time, it grew to mean
expressing disapproval.
- He deprecates greed, but he
never donates to charity.
- Even when we made mistakes, Coach
Baker never deprecated us.
Depreciate is built
around the Latin word for price. To depreciate is to lower the market value of
a commodity. Beyond money, we can also think less of a person and depreciate
the value of his or her work.
- Age and neglect have
depreciated the value of this house.
- Critics often depreciate
sitcoms as being aimed at simpletons.
Averse literally means
turned away. It is used when we are opposed to something. It also implies that
we are unwilling to do something, that we are reluctant. Think of it as an internal
emotion.
- I take a risk-averse stance
when it comes to investing.
- I am averse to gerrymandering
by either political party.
Adverse literally means
turned towards, but in opposition or hostility, not in admiration. It is used
to identify unfavorable conditions or circumstances. Aside from antagonistic
opponents, it can be applied to the harmful side effects of a drug or medical
treatment. Think of it as an external condition.
- Adverse weather conditions
make me less likely to drive.
- Delores is highly sensitive to
adverse criticism.
Listen to Mike’s program in real
time every Tuesday morning, 9:10 - 10:00 a.m. EST, by going to wtcmradio.com
and clicking on Listen Now. You’ll
also find about two year’s worth of podcasts there under The Ron Jolly Show.
Comments