adverb
- in a manner that expresses disapproval, regret, or a desire to ward off something unwanted
Usage: formal; often used to describe tone or manner of speaking
Examples
- She looked at him deprecatorily when he suggested skipping the meeting.
- He raised his hand deprecatorily, as if to apologize for the interruption.
- The teacher spoke deprecatorily about the students' lack of effort on the assignment.
- She shook her head deprecatorily at the proposal.
- He smiled deprecatorily, hoping to soften the impact of his criticism.
- The manager gestured deprecatorily toward the messy workspace.