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Cheapening: meaning, definitions and examples

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cheapening

 

[ ˈtʃiːpənɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

reduce value

Cheapening refers to the act of making something less valuable, either literally or figuratively. This can occur through various means such as lowering prices, diluting quality, or increasing availability. It is often used to describe the devaluation of goods, services, or even abstract concepts, like reputation or integrity. The term can be associated with negative connotations, suggesting a loss of quality or prestige.

Synonyms

devaluation, diminution, undervaluation.

Examples of usage

  • The mass production of goods led to the cheapening of traditional craftsmanship.
  • Cheapening the brand can alienate loyal customers.
  • The influx of similar products has resulted in the cheapening of the market.

Translations

Translations of the word "cheapening" in other languages:

🇵🇹 abaratamento

🇮🇳 सस्ता बनाना

🇩🇪 Verbilligung

🇮🇩 penurunan harga

🇺🇦 зниження ціни

🇵🇱 obniżenie ceny

🇯🇵 安くすること

🇫🇷 baisse de prix

🇪🇸 abaratamiento

🇹🇷 ucuzlama

🇰🇷 저렴하게 만들기

🇸🇦 تخفيض السعر

🇨🇿 zlevnění

🇸🇰 zníženie ceny

🇨🇳 降价

🇸🇮 poceni

🇮🇸 lækkun

🇰🇿 арзандау

🇬🇪 მინიჭება

🇦🇿 ucuzlaşma

🇲🇽 abaratamiento

Etymology

The term 'cheapening' stems from the adjective 'cheap', which originates from the Old English word 'ceap', meaning 'a bargain or purchase'. This word is connected to the Proto-Germanic root '*kaupō', which signifies commerce or trading. Over time, 'cheap' evolved to describe something that is low in cost or of inferior quality. As the English language developed, the addition of the '-ening' suffix formed a verb, indicating the process or action of making something cheap. This transformation reflects cultural and economic changes, where mass production and consumerism have influenced perceptions of value and quality.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,197, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.