degrade, cheapen, demean, lower, corrupt, deteriorate
Dictionary Meanings
(1) Reduce the quality or value of something. (2) Lower the moral character or standards of someone.
Debase Meaning Explained
The word debase refers to the act of diminishing the quality, value, or moral character of something or someone. It implies a lowering of standards or a decrease in worthiness. It can be used to describe actions that tarnish the reputation or integrity of a person or an object.
Debase Synonyms
degrade, cheapen, demean, lower, corrupt, deteriorate, diminish, impair, taint, sully, vitiate, defile.
Debase Antonyms
elevate, enhance, dignify, improve, uplift, purify, refine, ennoble, upgrade, ennoble, exalt, honor.
debase Usage in Sentences
1. The scandalous behavior of the politician debased his reputation among the public.
2. The company’s decision to use cheap materials debased the quality of their products.
3. The artist felt that the commercialization of his work would debase its artistic value.
4. The teacher’s unfair treatment of students debased the learning environment.
5. The corrupt practices of the organization debased its standing in the community.
6. The use of derogatory language debases the conversation and shows a lack of respect.
7. The comedian’s jokes were offensive and debased the audience’s sensibilities.
8. The dictator’s oppressive regime debased the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
Root and History
The word debase originated from the combination of the prefix de- meaning down or away and the word base meaning low or inferior. The concept of debasing something can be traced back to ancient times when coins were physically debased by reducing the amount of precious metal content. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the broader meaning of diminishing quality, value, or moral standards.
Idioms Phrases
1. Sink to someone’s level: Lower oneself to behave in a similar negative manner as someone else.
2. Stooping to conquer: Using questionable tactics or compromising values to achieve success.
3. Lower the bar: Reduce expectations or standards.
4. Fall from grace: Experience a sudden loss of reputation or respect.
5. Drag through the mud: Publicly criticize or humiliate someone.
6. Go downhill: Deteriorate or decline in quality or performance.
7. Morally bankrupt: Completely lacking in moral principles or values.
8. Lost their way: Stray from a path of integrity or righteousness.
Debase Use in varied fields
1. In the field of finance, debasing a currency refers to intentionally reducing its value.
2. In literature, a character’s actions may be seen as debasing if they exhibit immoral behavior.
3. In the legal profession, evidence that has been tampered with or falsified can be considered debased.
4. In the art world, an artist may use unconventional materials to debasement traditional notions of beauty.
5. In psychology, debasing behavior can be studied as a form of aggression or manipulation.
6. In marketing, using false claims or misleading advertising can be seen as a debasement of the industry.
7. In education, plagiarism is considered a debasement of academic integrity.
8. In politics, a politician’s use of inflammatory rhetoric can be seen as debasing public discourse.
MCQ Test Yourself
Which of the following best describes the word debase?
a) Elevate
b) Enhance
c) Degrade
d) Dignify
Explanation: The correct answer is c) Degrade. The word debase means to reduce the quality or value of something, thereby implying a lowering or degradation. The other options – elevate, enhance, and dignify – all imply an increase in quality or value, which is the opposite of what debase means.
Meaning in Other Languages
मूल्य घटाना (Meaning in Hindi), অবজ্ঞা (Meaning in Bengali), अपमान (Meaning in Marathi), ਘਟੀਆ (Meaning in Punjabi), નિરાશ (Meaning in Gujarati), தாழ்த்துதல் (Meaning in Tamil), అధోకరణం (Meaning in Telugu), ಅವಮಾನ (Meaning in Kannada), താഴ്ത്തുക (Meaning in Malayalam), ଖରାପ (Meaning in Odia), بے عزتی (Meaning in Urdu)
