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Degrade: meaning, definitions and examples

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degrade

 

[dɪˈɡreɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

social behavior

To treat or regard someone with contempt or disrespect, to lower in quality or value, to deteriorate gradually.

Synonyms

debase, diminish, disparage, lower.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
degrade

When you talk about something losing its quality, value, or level, often in a general sense. It can also refer to the deterioration of substances over time.

  • Pollution can degrade water quality
  • Metals will degrade and rust over time
debase

Typically used to describe actions that lower something's value or quality with a negative connotation. Often used in ethical or moral contexts.

  • The scandal debased the politician's reputation
  • Too much commercialization can debase art
diminish

To make something smaller or less important. Usually used when talking about size, degree, importance, or intensity of something.

  • The medicine diminished the patient's pain
  • His role in the project was significantly diminished
lower

Used to decrease the height, level, or amount of something. It's often used in everyday situations.

  • Please lower the volume of the music
  • They had to lower the price to attract customers
disparage

Used when speaking negatively about someone or something in a way that shows you have little respect for them, often causing harm to their reputation.

  • He tried to disparage his opponent to gain an advantage
  • She disparaged his efforts in front of everyone

Examples of usage

  • He felt degraded by her constant criticism.
  • The quality of the product has degraded over time.
  • If we continue to degrade the environment, future generations will suffer.
  • I don't want to degrade myself by stooping to his level.
  • She was degraded by the way she was treated at work.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Latin 'degradare', where 'de-' means 'down' and 'gradus' means 'step' or 'grade'.
  • It appeared in English in the late 15th century, initially relating to lowering status or rank.
  • Originally, it was often used in the context of knights or nobles being stripped of their titles.

Environmental Science

  • In ecology, 'degrade' refers to the deterioration of natural environments due to pollution or human activity.
  • Soil degradation occurs when land becomes less productive, affecting food supply and biodiversity.
  • Ecosystems can also degrade when invasive species disrupt local habitats, leading to loss of native plants and animals.

Psychology

  • Degradation can affect self-esteem; when someone feels degraded, they may see themselves as less worthy.
  • Studies show that bullying and emotional abuse can lead to long-term psychological effects due to feelings of degradation.
  • Experiencing degradation in social situations can lead to a 'spiral of decline,' impacting mental health and relationships.

Literature

  • Many classic novels explore themes of degradation, illustrating characters who suffer loss of dignity or status.
  • Contemporary writers often use degradation as a metaphor for societal issues, highlighting injustice and inequality.
  • In dystopian fiction, characters may face systematic degradation in oppressive societies, showcasing the human spirit's resilience.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of degradation often appears in songs and movies that focus on themes of bullying or social hierarchy.
  • Reality TV shows sometimes depict characters undergoing public degradation for entertainment, raising ethical concerns.
  • Artists sometimes use degradation in their works to comment on social issues, provoking thought about respect and dignity.

Translations

Translations of the word "degrade" in other languages:

🇵🇹 degradar

🇮🇳 अवमूल्यन करना

🇩🇪 herabsetzen

🇮🇩 merendahkan

🇺🇦 деградувати

🇵🇱 degradować

🇯🇵 劣化する (れっかする)

🇫🇷 dégrader

🇪🇸 degradar

🇹🇷 aşağılamak

🇰🇷 저하시키다

🇸🇦 تدهور

🇨🇿 zhoršit

🇸🇰 zhoršiť

🇨🇳 降级 (jiàngjí)

🇸🇮 poslabšati

🇮🇸 niðurlægja

🇰🇿 құлдырау

🇬🇪 დაშლა

🇦🇿 alçaltmaq

🇲🇽 degradar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,311, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.