Demean

Pronunciation: /dɪˈmin/

Definitions of demean

verb to lower in dignity, honor, or standing; to degrade or humble

Example Sentences

A1 She didn't mean to demean anyone with her comments.

A2 His sarcastic tone seemed to demean the importance of the project.

B1 The manager's rude behavior towards his employees was seen as an attempt to demean them.

B2 The politician's speech was criticized for demeaning the efforts of the opposition party.

C1 The professor's condescending attitude towards his students was seen as a way to demean their intelligence.

C2 The celebrity's controversial remarks were seen as an attempt to demean the entire community.

Examples of demean in a Sentence

formal Her constant criticism seemed to demean his efforts in front of the entire team.

informal Stop trying to demean me in front of our friends.

slang Don't let anyone demean you like that.

figurative His actions seemed to demean the very essence of their friendship.

Grammatical Forms of demean

• past tense: demeaned
• plural: demeans
• comparative: more demeaning
• superlative: most demeaning
• present tense: demeans
• future tense: will demean
• perfect tense: has demeaned
• continuous tense: is demeaning
• singular: demeans
• positive degree: demean
• infinitive: to demean
• gerund: demeaning
• participle: demeaning

Origin and Evolution of demean

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'demean' originated from Middle English 'dimenen' which came from Old French 'demener' meaning 'to conduct, manage'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'demean' evolved to also mean 'to lower in dignity or standing'.