demean
pronunciation
How to pronounce demean in British English:
UK [dɪˈmi:n]
How to pronounce demean in American English:
US [dɪˈmin]
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- Verb:
- reduce in worth or character, usually verbally
Word Origin
- demean (v.)
- "lower in dignity," c. 1600, perhaps from de- "down" + mean (adj.) and modeled on debase. Indistinguishable in some uses from obsolete demean (see demeanor) which influenced it and may be its true source. Related: Demeaned; demeaning.
Example
- 1. Don 't answer this silly accusation to demean yourself .
- 2. Advertisements like this demean women .
- 3. I 'll never demean myself by doing something dishonorable .
- 4. Such lier will demean you .
- 5. To demean oneself by doing sth. dishonorable .