Demeaning: meaning, definitions and examples

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demeaning

[dɪˈmiːnɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in a negative way

Causing someone to lose their dignity and the respect of others; degrading.

Synonyms

belittling, degrading, disparaging, humiliating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
demeaning	Used to describe actions or words that lower someone's dignity or self-respect. Can be used both in formal and informal situations. He found the task of making coffee for everyone demeaning. The comments made during the meeting were highly demeaning to the new employee.
degrading	Describes something that causes someone to feel shame or lose dignity, often invoking a sense of being lowered to a less respectable condition. The hazing rituals were degrading and completely unacceptable. He described the punishment as degrading treatment.
belittling	Refers to language or actions that make someone or something seem less important or less valuable. Often used in a negative context. She felt her contributions were belittled during the project discussion. The manager's belittling remarks caused a drop in team morale.
humiliating	Refers to actions or words that cause someone to feel deep shame and lose pride or self-respect. Often associated with public embarrassment. The error in front of the entire class was humiliating. Being scolded by his boss in front of colleagues was a humiliating experience.
disparaging	Used when someone is speaking in a way that shows they have a low opinion of someone or something, usually meant to hurt or criticize. She made several disparaging remarks about his performance. The review was full of disparaging comments about the author's lack of skill.

Examples of usage

His demeaning comments made her feel worthless.
The boss's demeaning attitude towards his employees created a toxic work environment.
She was tired of his demeaning behavior and decided to leave the relationship.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action towards someone

To lower someone's dignity or standing; to degrade or belittle.

Synonyms

belittle, degrade, disparage, humiliate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
demeaning	This word is used to describe actions or words that make someone feel less respected or valued. It typically has a general context of reducing someone's self-worth. His comments about her work were demeaning. She felt demeaned by the constant criticism.
degrade	Degrade implies a reduction in someone's dignity or status. It often suggests a more severe and direct lowering of someone's standing or quality. The constant insults started to degrade her confidence. He felt degraded by the harsh punishment.
belittle	Belittle is used when someone makes something or someone seem less important or significant. It's often used in a context where someone downplays achievements, efforts, or worth. He belittled her achievements despite her hard work. Don't belittle the effort it took to complete the project.
humiliate	This word is used in contexts where someone is publicly shamed or embarrassed, often with the intent to make them feel lower in status. He humiliated his opponent in front of everyone. She felt humiliated when she was singled out and criticized publicly.
disparage	This word is used when someone criticizes someone or something in a way that shows they have no respect for them. Disparage is usually more about verbal or written communication. She was quick to disparage his new idea during the meeting. The critics disparaged the author's latest book.

Examples of usage

He was constantly demeaning his colleagues, making them feel incompetent.
Her sarcastic remarks were demeaning to those around her.
The teacher warned the students not to demean each other during the debate.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'de-' meaning 'down' and 'mean' from 'minuere', which means 'to lessen'.
It appeared in the English language in its modern sense in the late 19th century, reflecting social attitudes of the time.
Originally, it described actions that reduced a person's dignity, highlighting societal hierarchies.

Psychology

Research shows that people who experience demeaning behavior often struggle with self-esteem and personal well-being.
Children who face demeaning comments may develop anxiety or depression, impacting their development.
Interventions that promote kindness and respect counteract the negative effects of demeaning behavior.

Pop Culture

Films and literature often explore themes of demeaning behavior to depict character flaws or societal issues.
Reality TV shows have been criticized for promoting demeaning behavior as entertainment.
Notable songs address themes of empowerment, countering the effects of demeaning messages in society.

Education

Classes on emotional intelligence emphasize the importance of recognizing and avoiding demeaning behavior.
Anti-bullying programs in schools work to educate students about the harm caused by demeaning words and actions.
Effective communication training helps people understand how demeaning remarks affect relationships and workplace dynamics.

History

Throughout history, demeaning language has been used to suppress groups, reinforcing social inequality.
Movements advocating for civil rights often highlight the need to eliminate demeaning rhetoric from public discourse.
Historical texts reflect how demeaning attitudes were prevalent in various cultures and often justified discrimination.

Translations

Translations of the word "demeaning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 degradante

🇮🇳 अपमानजनक

🇩🇪 herabwürdigend

🇮🇩 merendahkan

🇺🇦 принизливий

🇵🇱 poniżający

🇯🇵 屈辱的な

🇫🇷 dégradant

🇪🇸 degradante

🇹🇷 aşağılayıcı

🇰🇷 경멸적인

🇸🇦 مهين

🇨🇿 ponižující

🇸🇰 ponižujúci

🇨🇳 贬低

🇸🇮 ponižujoč

🇮🇸 niðurlægjandi

🇰🇿 қорлайтын

🇬🇪 შემარცხვენელი

🇦🇿 alçaldıcı

🇲🇽 degradante

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,536, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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24533 starchy
24534 meningeal
24535 unlocking
24536 demeaning
24537 harangue
24538 mayhem
24539 lather
...