amortize
|a-mor-tize|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˈæmərˌtaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˈæmətaɪz/
gradual reduction
Etymology
Etymology Information
'amortize' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'amortisen,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'mort' meant 'death.'
Historical Evolution
'amortisen' transformed into the modern English word 'amortize' through Old French 'amortir.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to kill or deaden,' but over time it evolved into its current financial meaning of 'gradually paying off a debt or asset.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to gradually reduce or write off the cost or value of an asset over a period of time.
The company decided to amortize the cost of the new equipment over five years.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/07/20 02:51