Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Debase Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔽
Add to dictionary

debase

[dɪˈbeɪs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

in society

Reduce (something) in quality or value; degrade

Synonyms

cheapen, corrupt, degrade, depreciate, diminish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
debase

Used to describe the reduction in quality or value of something, often in terms of moral or ethical standards.

  • The politician's actions debased the integrity of the office.
  • Using poor ingredients can debase the quality of a gourmet dish.
degrade

Used to describe the act of treating someone or something poorly, causing a loss in respect or reputation; often a strong negative connotation.

  • The workers felt degraded by the harsh working conditions.
  • Pollution can degrade natural habitats.
cheapen

Used when something is made to seem less valuable or important, often by being available too easily or not being treated with respect.

  • The mass production of the artwork has cheapened its uniqueness.
  • Using vulgar jokes can cheapen the conversation.
corrupt

Used to describe something or someone that has been made morally impure or morally incorrect, often involving illegal or unethical behavior.

  • Power can corrupt even the most honest individuals.
  • The evidence showed that the officials were corrupt.
depreciate

Often used in financial or economic contexts to describe the decrease in the value of an asset over time.

  • Cars tend to depreciate quickly in value after being bought new.
  • The currency depreciated against the dollar.
diminish

Used to describe a reduction in size, importance, or quality of something.

  • The team's chances of winning began to diminish after the star player was injured.
  • Time and distance can diminish the intensity of memories.

Examples of usage

  • The scandal has debase his reputation
  • The company was accused of debasing the environment

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In medieval times, the debasement of currency was a common financial tactic, often leading to economic instability.
  • Debasing coins by mixing precious metals with cheaper ones was a strategy used by rulers to increase profits but often harmed their economies.
  • Throughout history, debasement has been associated with inflation and loss of citizen trust in monetary systems.

Psychology

  • Debasement can also refer to lowering self-esteem or worth, commonly seen in bullying behavior.
  • In relationships, when one partner feels debased, it often leads to issues of trust and respect.
  • The concept ties into how people perceive their value based on societal standards, potentially leading to low self-worth.

Literature

  • Debase is frequently used in literary contexts to describe characters who lose their morality or integrity.
  • Many classic works explore themes of debasement, showing characters who are corrupted by power or greed.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, the term often appears when discussing themes of honor and degradation.

Pop Culture

  • Debasement is a common theme in movies and books, where a character's downfall is linked to their loss of morals or values.
  • In some hip-hop lyrics, artists refer to how society can debase individuals, highlighting issues like poverty and systemic issues.
  • Television shows often depict characters who face moral debasement for personal gain, leading to dramatic consequences.

Origin of 'debase'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle French 'debaser', which means to lower or reduce.
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'debasare', meaning to lower in status or position.
  • The prefix 'de-' indicates a reduction, while 'base' refers to the foundation or value.

The word 'debase' originated in the late 16th century, from the Middle French word 'debas', meaning 'to lower in value'. It has been used in English to describe the act of reducing the quality or value of something, often with negative connotations. Over the centuries, 'debase' has been commonly used in various contexts to highlight the degradation or depreciation of something.

See also: abase, base, baseball, based, baseless, baselessly, basement, basic, basin, basis, debased, debasement.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,526, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.