self-deprecating
|self/dep/re/cat/ing|
C1
/ˌsɛlfˈdɛprɪˌkeɪtɪŋ/
modestly critical
Etymology
Etymology Information
'self-deprecating' originates from the Latin word 'deprecari,' where 'de-' meant 'away' and 'precari' meant 'to pray.'
Historical Evolution
'deprecari' transformed into the English word 'deprecate,' and eventually became the modern English word 'self-deprecating.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to pray against or ward off,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'modestly critical of oneself.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
modestly critical of oneself, often in a humorous way.
He made a self-deprecating joke about his cooking skills.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41