demean Hear it!

demean¹ Definition

de·mean (dē mēn, di-)

transitive verb

to lower in status or character; degrade; humble to demean oneself by taking a bribe

Etymology: de- + mean, after debase

demean² Definition

de·mean (dē mēn, di-)

transitive verb

to behave, conduct, or comport (oneself)

Etymology: see demeanor

demean Usage Examples

Object

  • task: Integration is paramount, avoiding demeaning tasks away from the majority of the group.
  • woman: Speak out and challenge any discriminatory comments or jokes that demean women or make light of violence.
  • job: Every heavy, dirty and demeaning job was ours.
  • people: But his career, although making him rich, served only to reinforce stereotypes and demean black people.
  • work: Doing good - we demean good works, don't we?
  • way: Indeed, most labels associated with Special Education: can be used in demeaning ways.

Used with why or when

what: I don't want to demean what people achieved, but the money just rolled in.

Modifying Another Word

  • so: If they fled from him at the Cross ( and if they didnt why would they make up a detail so demeaning?
  • only: Bob Geldof himself has so clearly persisted that any temporary entanglement with the Living Dead can ultimately only demean him.
  • not: How are we to generate work that does not demean the laborer?
  • rather: I have no real problem with where the custom came from, but recently society has seemed to turn it into something rather demeaning.
  • very: It would be very demeaning to many other talented directors to rate them like that.
  • too: It was too demeaning for the god to do the same as his compere.

Preposition: in

way: My initial reply wasn't insulting or demeaning in any way.