demean — to cause a severe loss in the dignity of and respect for someone or something
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to cause a severe loss in the dignity of and respect for someone or something
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈmiːn/
Example Sentences
- The celebrity refused to do the commercial, claiming it would demean her artistic reputation.
- My boss's constant criticism doesn't motivate me; it just demeans my efforts.
- He thought washing dishes was beneath him and would demean his MBA degree.
demean
VERB[/dɪˈmiːn/]
to cause a severe loss in the dignity of and respect for someone or something
The arrogant king threw the bread on the dirt floor to demean the proud knight.
DE(down) + MEAN(mean) — the boss used MEAN words to push him DEep down and demean his value.
It was incredibly mean to publicly demean the poor waiter over a dropped napkin.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the prefix de- (meaning 'down' or 'reduce') combined with the Middle English word 'menen' (meaning 'to conduct oneself' or 'to behave'), which evolved from Old French 'mener' meaning 'to lead' or 'to conduct'.
Breakdown
de- (down, reduce) + mean (to conduct oneself, from Old French mener) = demean (to reduce one's dignity or conduct oneself in a degrading manner)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The celebrity refused to do the commercial, claiming it would demean her artistic reputation.”
“My boss's constant criticism doesn't motivate me; it just demeans my efforts.”
“He thought washing dishes was beneath him and would demean his MBA degree.”
“The comedian's jokes were so offensive that they demeaned entire communities.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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