demean
demean Lexical Profile
demean Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To cause a severe loss in the dignity of and respect for someone or something; to lower in character, status, or reputation.
"A healthy workplace culture ensures that managers never demean employees in front of their peers."
To conduct or behave oneself in a specified manner (used reflexively, now formal or archaic).
"Throughout the lengthy inquiry, the diplomat demeaned himself with admirable composure and restraint."
Word Nuance & Usage
The word 'demean' comprises two distinct etymological homographs: the common modern sense meaning 'to degrade' (often used transitively or reflexively) and the formal or archaic reflexive sense meaning 'to conduct oneself' (related to the noun 'demeanor').
• Rhymes for demean
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The sense 'to degrade' dates to the early 17th century, formed from the prefix de- and the adjective mean ('inferior'), modeled after 'debase'. The older sense 'to conduct oneself' comes from Middle English via Old French demener ('to guide or conduct'), ultimately from Late Latin minare ('to drive').