depreciate

/di-ˈprē-shē-ˌāt/

Middle English, from Late Latin depretiatus, past participle of depretiare, from Latin de- + pretium price

verb

  1. to lower in honor or esteem

  2. to lower the price or estimated value of

  3. to deduct from taxable income a portion of the original cost of (a business asset) over several years as the value of the asset decreases

often depreciates the importance of her work

decry depreciate disparage belittle mean to express a low opinion of. decry implies open condemnation with intent to discredit. depreciate implies a representing as being of less value than commonly believed.