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. caricaturing disparaging misrepresenting

Explanation:

The context shows that advertisements are accused of a negative - portraying action towards women. "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 and demeaning manner. "Caricaturing" is about exaggerating features for comic effect, and "misrepresenting" is about giving a false representation.

Answer:

B. disparaging