Debase

Pronunciation: /dɪˈbeɪs/

Definitions of debase

verb to reduce the quality or value of something, typically by adding lower quality materials or by corrupting it

Example Sentences

A1 The chef warned not to debase the quality of the ingredients by overcooking them.

A2 The artist felt that adding too much glitter would debase the simplicity of the painting.

B1 The tabloid newspaper was criticized for constantly debasing the reputation of public figures.

B2 The company's decision to debase the currency led to inflation and economic instability.

C1 The politician's attempt to debase the opponent's character backfired and damaged their own reputation.

C2 The filmmaker faced backlash for degrading the art form by debasing the content of their movies.

Examples of debase in a Sentence

formal The counterfeit currency served to debase the country's economy.

informal Using cheap materials will only debase the quality of the product.

slang Don't debase yourself by stooping to their level.

figurative His constant lies seemed to debase the very essence of truth.

Grammatical Forms of debase

• past tense: debased
• plural: debase
• comparative: more debased
• superlative: most debased
• present tense: debase
• future tense: will debase
• perfect tense: have debased
• continuous tense: is debasing
• singular: debase
• positive degree: debase
• infinitive: to debase
• gerund: debasing
• participle: debased

Origin and Evolution of debase

First Known Use: 1581 year

Language of Origin: Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'debase' originated from the Old French word 'debas' which means to lower in value or quality.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'debase' has retained its original meaning of lowering in value or quality, but has also come to be used more broadly to describe the act of corrupting or degrading something morally or ethically.