Demeaning: meaning, definitions and examples

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demeaning

 

[ dɪˈmiːnɪŋ ]

Context #1

in a negative way

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

Synonyms

belittling, degrading, disparaging, humiliating

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

action towards someone

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

Synonyms

belittle, degrade, disparage, humiliate

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.

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 origin

The word 'demeaning' originates from the verb 'demean', which comes from Old French 'demener' meaning 'to conduct, behave'. Over time, 'demean' evolved to include the sense of lowering in dignity or status, giving rise to 'demeaning' in the 17th century. The concept of demeaning behavior has been a subject of ethical and moral discussions throughout history, emphasizing the importance of treating others with respect and dignity.

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