Degrade - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To degrade means to lower in quality, value, or dignity. It can refer to physical deterioration, such as materials breaking down, or to treating someone with disrespect or humiliation.
Definition:
To lower in quality, value, or dignity; break down or deteriorate.
Synonyms:
deteriorate, diminish, debase, disgrace
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
improve, enhance
Common Collocations:
degrade performance, degrade over time, degrade the environment
Derivatives:
degradation, degrading
Usage Tips:
Use "degrade" to describe a decline in quality or moral standing; often implies a negative transformation.
Common Phrases:
degrade oneself, degrade the environment, degrade into chaos
Etymology:
From Latin "degradare," meaning "to reduce in rank," from "de-" (down) + "gradus" (step).
Examples:
- 1. The plastic will degrade over time if left in sunlight.
- 2. Harsh chemicals can degrade the fabric of your clothes.
- 3. He refused to degrade himself by lying to win favor.
- 4. Pollution continues to degrade the air quality in cities.