CEFR C1

demean

verb

Meaning

To cause a loss of dignity or respect for someone or something.

Examples

He felt that the constant criticism served to demean his efforts.
The manager's sarcastic comments tended to demean his employees.

Synonyms: belittle, degrade, humiliate, abase

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demean (C1)

verb

Pronunciation: /dɪˈmiːn/

Definition

To cause a loss of dignity or respect for someone or something.

Examples

He felt that the constant criticism served to demean his efforts.
The manager's sarcastic comments tended to demean his employees.
She refused to let their rude remarks demean her self-worth.

How to Use demean

demean oneself (phrasal verb): To do something that causes one to lose respect for oneself. — "He would never demean himself by begging for money."
demean someone's character (collocation): To lower the perceived moral quality of a person. — "Spreading rumors can demean someone's character unfairly."

Synonyms of demean

Words with a similar meaning to demean:

Antonyms of demean

Words with the opposite meaning to demean:

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