debasement

C2+ Topic:Abstract Ideas

US /dɪˈbeɪsmənt/ UK /dɪˈbeɪsmənt/ See IPA manual

Meanings

1

noun
the reduction in quality, value, or dignity of something

The debasement of the currency triggered rampant inflation.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 noun · the reduction in quality,... degradation corruption adulterationdevaluationcheapeningabasement

Opposites

elevation enhancementennoblementexaltation

Word family

Related forms debase base abase

Etymology

From debase (de- 'down' plus base 'low', after abase) plus the noun-forming suffix -ment. Base derives from Late Latin bassus ('low').

de- Latin bassus Latin

View etymology graph ->

Topics

Abstract Ideas Word Formation & Derivatives

External links

# debasement

**Type:** Word
**Level:** C2+
**Part of speech:** noun
**IPA (US):** /dɪˈbeɪsmənt/
**IPA (UK):** /dɪˈbeɪsmənt/

## Meanings
1. the reduction in quality, value, or dignity of something

## Examples
- The debasement of the currency triggered rampant inflation.

## Synonyms
- degradation
- corruption
- adulteration
- devaluation
- cheapening
- abasement

## Antonyms
- elevation
- enhancement
- ennoblement
- exaltation

## Related Forms
- debase
- base
- abase

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: de-
- Root: bassus

## Etymology
From debase (de- 'down' plus base 'low', after abase) plus the noun-forming suffix -ment. Base derives from Late Latin bassus ('low').

## AI Etymology
Debasement is from debase (de- 'down' plus base 'low', after abase) plus the noun-forming suffix -ment. Base derives from Late Latin bassus ('low'). In present-day use, it means the reduction in quality, value, or dignity of something. Related vocabulary includes debase, base, and abase.

## Topics
- Abstract Ideas
- Word Formation & Derivatives

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