Cheapen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ธ
cheapen
[หtสiห.pษn ]
Definitions
influence negatively
To lower the quality or value of something, making it seem less important or less valuable
Synonyms
depreciate, devalue, diminish.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cheapen |
Typically used when something is made to seem less valuable or less worthy, often metaphorically in terms of quality or respect.
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| devalue |
Generally used to describe a deliberate reduction in value, often in economic or financial contexts, and can carry a negative connotation.
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| diminish |
Used to describe a gradual reduction in size, importance, or value, often with a sense of erosion or wearing down.
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| depreciate |
Often used in financial contexts, it refers to the reduction in value of an asset over time.
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Examples of usage
- He cheapened the painting by hanging it in a poorly lit room.
- Using too many discounts can cheapen the brand image.
make less expensive
To reduce the cost of something, making it more affordable or cheaper
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cheapen |
This is typically used in a negative sense to suggest that something is being degraded in quality or made to seem less valuable.
|
| discount |
Often used in retail or marketing contexts to indicate a reduction in price. It can also suggest evaluating something as less important.
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| reduce |
Typically used to indicate a decrease in size, quantity, or extent. Common in contexts involving budgets, prices, and the environment.
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| lower |
Commonly used to describe a decrease in position, level, or amount. Can be used both literally and figuratively.
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Examples of usage
- The store constantly cheapens its products to attract more customers.
- They decided to cheapen the tickets for the event to increase attendance.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Context
- In modern slang, calling something 'cheesy' often implies itโs cheap in quality, showing a link between price and perceived value in entertainment.
- The rise of discount retailers has shifted public perception of what it means for something to be cheap, often associating lower prices with lower quality.
- In some cultures, there's a taboo against 'cheap' gifts, implicating a social stigma against the perceived lack of effort or value.
Psychology
- Studies show that consumers often equate lower prices with lower quality, affecting their purchasing decisions significantly.
- Psychological pricing strategies, where prices are set just below a round number, can lead to the impression of cheaper products without a decrease in actual value.
- The 'anchoring effect' describes how people rely heavily on the first piece of information encountered, so if they see a high original price compared to a discounted price, they often perceive the latter as particularly cheap.
Economics
- In economic terms, when production costs decrease, the overall price of goods can cheapen, influencing market dynamics.
- An increase in competition often leads to price wars, causing many products to cheapen in value as retailers strive to attract customers.
- Inflation can also affect the perception of price; as general price levels increase, something that was once seen as cheap may not hold the same value over time.
Literature
- Authors often use the concept of cheapening as a plot device, illustrating characters' moral decline when they compromise their values for material gains.
- In literary circles, the phrase 'cheapen art' can refer to works that are produced with less effort or intention, reducing their perceived value in the eyes of critics.
- Poets occasionally use cheapening as a metaphor for lost ideals, contrasting authentic love or friendships with shallow, transactional relationships.
Origin of 'cheapen'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the Old English word 'ceapian,' which means to buy, indicating a tie to trade and commerce.
- The word 'cheap' evolved from the idea of buying or trading for a good price.
- In Middle English, the term was often used to describe markets or places where goods were sold at lower prices.
The word 'cheapen' originated from the Middle English word 'chepe', meaning 'bargain' or 'purchase'. Over time, it evolved to include the concept of reducing the value or quality of something. The negative connotation of 'cheapen' reflects society's perception that lowering quality or price can have detrimental effects on the overall value of a product or service.