debase
UK/di'beis/US
GREC2
Definitions
v.
To lower the quality, value, or character of something
降低（品质、价值或品格），贬低
v.
To reduce the value of a currency by adding cheaper metal
（掺入廉价金属）使货币贬值
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde- (down) + base (foundation/level) = to bring something down below its proper level. The original use was monetary: debasing a coin meant mixing in cheap metal so it was worth less. The image spread to quality, language, and dignity.
Root base still carries 5 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.debase the currency使货币贬值
- 2.debase oneself作践自己
- 3.debase the value降低价值
- 4.debase standards降低标准
Example Sentences
- 1.
Cheap imitations debased the brand's image.
- 2.
He refused to debase himself by begging.
- 3.
Rulers once debased the coinage to fund wars.