[OPE-L:4079] Re: A query

aramos@aramos.b (aramos@aramos.bo)
Wed, 29 Jan 1997 04:34:09 -0800 (PST)

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> Dear Comrades,
>
> May anyone distinguish between the devaluation and the depreciation of money?
>
> I am perplexed with the two words. What word would correspond to the
> devaluation in the same way as "appreciation" does to "depreciation"? The
> opposite word of the "devaluation"?
>
> With regards,
>
> Chai-on

Dear Chai-on:

Obviously, I am not the one indicated to talk about the
"nuances" of English language. (BTW, where is Alan
Freeman?) But, in Spanish we have almost the same words. We
say:

devaluacion <--> revaluacion
depreciacion <--> apreciacion

Usually, "devaluacion" (and its opposed "revaluacion") are
used regarding money: "The argenitinian peso has been
"revaluated" against dollar during the last years." (I do
not know if "revaluated" does exist in English.)

"Depreciacion" and "apreciacion" are used to another
assets, like machines, houses, etc.

But, I think, this is mainly a meaningless convention and
you can also say, and be understood: "the devaluation of my
house", i.e. "la devaluacion de mi casa".

Have you in Korea special words for "price" and "value"?
Or, do you use some kind of neologisms derived from
Indoeuropean languages?

Alejandro Ramos M.
29.1.97