Abase: meaning, definitions and examples

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abase

[ əˈbeɪs ]

^{Context #1}

in a negative way

To abase someone is to humiliate or degrade them, either by making them feel inferior or by actually lowering their rank or standing. It's a way of bringing someone down and making them feel small.

Synonyms

belittle, degrade, humiliate

Examples of usage

He was abased by the harsh criticism from his boss.
She refused to abase herself by begging for forgiveness.

^{Context #2}

in a moral sense

To abase oneself is to humble or lower oneself in a moral or dignified manner. It can involve showing humility or modesty in a situation where one might be tempted to act arrogantly.

Synonyms

debase, humble, modest

Examples of usage

She chose to abase herself and apologize for her mistake.
He abased himself before the wise elder, seeking guidance.

Translations

Translations of the word "abase" in other languages:

🇵🇹 humilhar

🇮🇳 नीचा दिखाना

🇩🇪 erniedrigen

🇮🇩 merendahkan

🇺🇦 принижувати

🇵🇱 poniżać

🇯🇵 貶める (おとしめる)

🇫🇷 humilier

🇪🇸 humillar

🇹🇷 aşağılamak

🇰🇷 비하하다

🇸🇦 إذلال

🇨🇿 ponížit

🇸🇰 ponížiť

🇨🇳 贬低 (biǎndī)

🇸🇮 ponižati

🇮🇸 niðurlægja

🇰🇿 қорлау

🇬🇪 დამცირება (damcireba)

🇦🇿 aşağılamak

🇲🇽 humillar

Word origin

The word 'abase' comes from Middle English 'abassen', from Old French 'abaisser', from a- (from Latin 'ad', meaning 'to') + 'bais', ultimately of Germanic origin. The sense development in Middle English was influenced by the word 'base'.