abase (2009-09-22)

Part of Speech: verb

Pronunciation: [ê-'beys]

Definition: To lower in rank, value, esteem, or prestige.

Usage: The verb usually implies a lowering of esteem for wrong-doing: "Both Nixon and the Republican Party were much abased after the Watergate scandal" or "After the crack about his girlfriend wearing too much make-up, the entire family abased my opinions and me."

Suggested Usage: This word has more to do with reputation or perception of character than with monetary worth or value. Currency, stock, real estate may be debased but not abased. People may be debased or abased by immoral behavior.

Etymology: Latin ad- "(up) to" plus (presumed) Vulgar Latin bassiare "to lower," from Medieval Latin bassus "low" via Old French abesser (abaisser) "to lower." The same stem is found in bass (pronounced like "base"), basis, base, and basement.