Question

what is the meaning of the word deprecating as used in the passage? american advertisements from the 1950s have been widely accused of deprecating women by depicting them as housebound and passive. however, some have argued that, rather than belittling women, many ads portrayed them as capable and independent, both inside and outside the home. disparaging misrepresenting caricaturing

Explanation:

The context shows that American 1950s ads are accused of treating women in a negative way by depicting them as house - bound and passive. "Deprecating" means speaking of someone or something in a negative or belittling way. "Disparaging" has a similar meaning of speaking of someone or something in a negative, demeaning way. "Misrepresenting" means giving a false or inaccurate representation, and "caricaturing" means representing someone or something in a comically exaggerated way. So "disparaging" is the best match.

Answer:

disparaging