devaluate
devaluate Lexical Profile
devaluate Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To officially reduce the exchange value of a currency relative to other currencies or gold.
"The central bank decided to devaluate the national currency in an effort to boost export competitiveness."
To reduce or underestimate the worth, importance, or prestige of something.
"Critics argued that commercializing the historic landmark would devaluate its cultural significance."
Word Nuance & Usage
While 'devaluate' and 'devalue' are synonymous, 'devalue' is far more common in contemporary English across both economic and figurative contexts; 'devaluate' is primarily used as a back-formation from the noun 'devaluation'.
• Rhymes for devaluate
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in the late 19th century as a back-formation from 'devaluation', ultimately deriving from the Latin prefix 'de-' (down, away) and 'valere' (to be strong, to be of value).