Nearby Words

Debase

[dih-beys] Example Sentences Origin

de·base

[dih-beys]
verb (used with object), -based, -bas·ing.
1.
to reduce in quality or value; adulterate: They debased the value of the dollar.
2.
to lower in rank, dignity, or significance: He wouldn't debase himself by doing manual labor.

Origin:
1555–65; de- + base2; compare abase

de·bas·ed·ness [dih-bey-sid-nis, -beyst-] , noun
de·base·ment, noun
de·bas·er, noun
de·bas·ing·ly, adverb
self-de·base·ment, noun
EXPAND
un·de·based, adjective
COLLAPSE


1. lower, vitiate, corrupt; contaminate, pollute, defile. 2. degrade, abase, demean, reduce.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Debase is a GRE word you need to know.
So is detract. Does it mean:
to take away a part, as from quality, value, or reputation
to fall below a normal or desirable level in physical, mental, or moral qualities
Example Sentences
  • There are many other such trends that debase our humanity, and indeed they are revolutionary.
  • One advantage is that there might be less pressure to debase the content.
  • If they debase their currency, it will ultimately become valueless.
EXPAND
Collins
World English Dictionary
debase (dɪˈbeɪs)
 
vb
(tr) to lower in quality, character, or value, as by adding cheaper metal to coins; adulterate
 
[C16: see de-, base²]
 
debasedness
 
n
 
de'basement
 
n
 
de'baser
 
n
 
de'basingly
 
adv

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

debase
1568, from base "low," on analogy of abase.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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