Abase: meaning, definitions and examples
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abase
[əˈbeɪs ]
Definitions
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abase |
Used in formal or literary contexts to describe lowering someone's dignity or self-esteem.
|
| degrade |
Used to describe a situation where someone is treated with disrespect or is reduced in rank or dignity. Often used in professional or social contexts.
|
| humiliate |
Used to describe causing someone to feel ashamed or foolish, often in public. Has a strong negative connotation and emotional impact.
|
| belittle |
Commonly used in everyday language to describe making someone or something seem less important or significant. Often carries a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- He was abased by the harsh criticism from his boss.
- She refused to abase herself by begging for forgiveness.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| abase |
This word is often used when someone is brought down in rank or position in a humiliating way, typically by another individual or force. It has a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- She chose to abase herself and apologize for her mistake.
- He abased himself before the wise elder, seeking guidance.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from Middle English 'abasen', which is rooted in the Old French 'abaisser', meaning 'to lower'.
- Originally, the term was used in a literal sense, referring to lowering things physically or in rank.
- The prefix 'a-' indicates movement in a direction, while 'base' relates to a low position.
Psychology
- Abasement can significantly impact mental health, leading to feelings of worthlessness and depression.
- In psychological contexts, feelings of being abased can stem from bullying, negative reinforcement, or societal pressure.
- Studies suggest that environments where individuals frequently feel abased can hinder personal growth and self-esteem.
Literature
- In many literary works, characters may abase themselves or others to illustrate themes of power dynamics and social stratification.
- Classic literature often explores the psychological effects of abasement, enhancing character depth and conflict.
- Notable authors, like Shakespeare, utilized the concept to reveal truths about societal roles and personal integrity.
Pop Culture
- Reality TV often showcases scenarios where contestants abase each other for dramatic effect, highlighting human behavior.
- Abasement plays a role in many film narratives, reinforcing the idea of redemption when a character rises from a low point.
- Many lyrics in songs speak of emotional abasement, relating personal struggles with self-worth and societal judgment.
Philosophy
- Abasement can sometimes reflect a philosophical struggle between humility and self-assertion.
- Existentialist thought may explore the consequences of abasing oneself in a world that often values power over humility.
- Debates on ethics often ponder the morality of self-abasement versus the pursuit of personal dignity.
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