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Demean: meaning, definitions and examples

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demean

 

[ dɪˈmiːn ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

behavior

To lower in dignity, honor, or standing; debase

Synonyms

belittle, degrade, humiliate

Examples of usage

  • The supervisor's constant criticism began to demean the hardworking employee.
  • It is never acceptable to demean someone based on their race, gender, or background.
Context #2 | Verb

behavior

To behave in a way that is beneath one's dignity; to stoop

Synonyms

condescend, lower oneself

Examples of usage

  • She refused to demean herself by participating in the gossip.
  • He would not demean himself by begging for forgiveness.

Translations

Translations of the word "demean" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rebaixar

🇮🇳 अपमान करना

🇩🇪 erniedrigen

🇮🇩 menghina

🇺🇦 зневажати

🇵🇱 poniżać

🇯🇵 貶める (おとしめる)

🇫🇷 rabaisser

🇪🇸 degradar

🇹🇷 aşağılamak

🇰🇷 비하하다

🇸🇦 يحتقر

🇨🇿 ponižovat

🇸🇰 ponižovať

🇨🇳 贬低 (biǎndī)

🇸🇮 ponižati

🇮🇸 niðursetja

🇰🇿 кемсіту

🇬🇪 დამცირება

🇦🇿 alçaltmaq

🇲🇽 degradar

Word origin

The word 'demean' originated from the Old French word 'demener' meaning 'to guide, conduct, manage'. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the sense of lowering in dignity or honor. The term has been used in English since the late 14th century.

See also: demeaning, mean, meaningless, meanly, meanness, means, meant, meantime, meanwhile, meanwhilst.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,001, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.