Devalue: meaning, definitions and examples

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devalue

[ diːˈvæljuː ]

^{Context #1}

economics

To reduce the value or worth of something, especially in the context of currency or assets.

Synonyms

cheapen, depreciate, diminish

Examples of usage

The decision to devalue the currency led to a decrease in purchasing power.
The economic crisis caused the government to devalue its assets in order to stay afloat.

^{Context #2}

general

To diminish the significance or importance of something.

Synonyms

belittle, disparage, undermine

Examples of usage

Her constant criticism devalued his achievements.
Don't devalue the hard work that went into this project.

Translations

Translations of the word "devalue" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desvalorizar

🇮🇳 मूल्य घटाना

🇩🇪 abwerten

🇮🇩 menurunkan nilai

🇺🇦 знецінювати

🇵🇱 dewaluować

🇯🇵 価値を下げる

🇫🇷 dévaluer

🇪🇸 devaluar

🇹🇷 değerini düşürmek

🇰🇷 가치를 떨어뜨리다

🇸🇦 خفض قيمة

🇨🇿 znehodnotit

🇸🇰 znehodnotiť

🇨🇳 贬值

🇸🇮 devalvirati

🇮🇸 rýra verðgildi

🇰🇿 құнсыздандыру

🇬🇪 ფასის დაკლება

🇦🇿 dəyərsizləşdirmək

🇲🇽 devaluar

Word origin

The word 'devalue' originated in the mid-19th century, derived from the combination of 'de-' (indicating removal) and 'value'. It was first used in the economic context to describe the deliberate reduction of the exchange value of a country's currency. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass the broader idea of diminishing the worth or importance of something.