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Glite Dictionary
debasing

debasing

7.5
To make a person feel ashamed and lose respect
  • adjective
  • /dɪˈbeɪsɪŋ/
translation icon : degradante
  • Many believe that debasing moral values can lead to negative consequences in society.

Examples

  • The scandal surrounding the politician's actions was deeply debasing to his reputation.

  • It is the need, both individual and collective, to pretend otherwise that is so debasing.

    Academic text (1995)

  • So move your money from debasing currency into appreciating asset and you become rich.

  • She felt that his rude comments were not only debasing but also unacceptable in a professional setting.

Synonyms

disrespectful
vsdebasing
121 3.0

Not polite to someone, for example interrupting them

means conduct that actively causes dishonor rather than merely rude behaviour
disgraceful
vsdebasing
46 3.0

Very bad or shocking behaviour that makes people lose respect

focuses on actions that remove dignity rather than simply shocking behaviour
demeaning
vsdebasing
33 4.8

Making someone feel small and unimportant

focuses on actions that damage public honor rather than only personal feelings
dishonorable
vsdebasing
  • US
23 6.0

Not honest or fair and causing shame

describes conduct that causes loss of honor rather than a general moral failing
degrading
vsdebasing
21 5.5

Causing someone to feel ashamed and less respected

focuses on conduct that produces dishonor or lowered standing
degradative
vsdebasing
7.7

Making someone feel ashamed or less respected

is the same idea but refers specifically to conduct causing loss of honor

Antonyms

noble
274 3.6

Having high moral qualities and kind intentions

honorable
  • US
253 3.7

A person who behaves in a morally good way and deserves respect

How Degrading

humiliating
  • Offensive
80 4.5
debasing
7.5
dishonorable
  • US
23 6.0
shameful
89 4.7
undignified
11 4.7

Surface Forms

debasing positive

Morphology

debasing = base (semi-transparent) = de + base + ing

The prefix 'de-' suggests removal or reversal, and 'base' as an adjective indicates low moral quality, but the specific sense of 'degrading conduct' is not entirely transparent.

Etymology

Debasing comes from the part de- meaning 'down' and the word base meaning 'low', the same idea you see in basement. So, to debase someone is to make them feel 'low' or take away their honor, which is why debasing means degrading or dishonorable.