demean
UK: dɪˈmiːn | US: dɪˈmiːn
vt. to lower in dignity, honor, or standing; to debase
vt. (archaic) to behave or conduct (oneself) in a specified manner
demean = de<down> + mean<common, low>
- de (prefix): From Latin de-, meaning "down" or "away," often indicating reversal or reduction.
- mean (root): From Old English gemǣne ("common, shared"), later evolving to imply "lowly" or "inferior" in social context.
Etymology Origin:
The word "demean" originally combined the prefix de- (suggesting downward action) with mean (referring to common or low status). Over time, its primary meaning shifted from "to conduct oneself" (neutral) to "to lower in dignity" (negative), influenced by the association of mean with inferiority.
His rude comments demeaned her achievements.
The scandal demeaned the politician's reputation.
She refused to demean herself by responding to insults.
The coach warned the team not to demean their opponents.
Such behavior demeans the values of our organization.