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Definition of debased

debased

/dɪˈbeɪst/
de · based
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debased Lexical Profile

debased Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Reduced in quality, value, or moral character; degraded or corrupted.

Example

"Critics argued that sensationalist reporting had left public discourse in a debased state."

2

Having lower intrinsic value due to the admixture of a less valuable metal or currency inflation (especially of coinage).

Example

"Merchants refused to accept the debased silver coins issued toward the end of the empire."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for debased

• Nearby Words

debark
debarment
debase
debased
debaser
debatable
debatably

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-16th century as the participial adjective of the verb 'debase', which combined the prefix 'de-' (down) with 'base' (from Old French 'bas', meaning low or humble) and was originally applied to reducing the precious metal content of coinage.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Debased. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/debased
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