'depreciative' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'depretiativus,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'pretium' meant 'price or value.'

'depretiativus' transformed into the French word 'dépréciatif,' and eventually became the modern English word 'depreciative' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to lower in value,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'expressing disapproval or belittlement.'