debase
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To lower in quality, value, dignity, or moral standing.
To corrupt, adulterate, or reduce something from a higher to a lower state, often by adding inferior material or engaging in degrading actions.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly negative connotation. Typically implies an active, deliberate lowering from a former, more respected state. Focus on the process of degradation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling, meaning, or grammatical differences.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally formal and low-frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
debase + noun (object)debase + reflexive pronoun (oneself)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in finance/economics regarding currency devaluation or lowering product quality.
Academic
Used in ethics, sociology, and political science to discuss moral or cultural degradation.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used in discussions of falling standards in media, politics, or public life.
Technical
Specific historical use in metallurgy/coinage regarding reducing precious metal content.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government was accused of debasing the coinage to fund the war.
- He felt he had debased himself by accepting the bribe.
American English
- Adding fillers debases the quality of the product.
- Such sensational headlines debase public discourse.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Using fake money debases the real currency.
- Many argue that reality television debases our culture by celebrating vulgarity.
- The king debased the silver coins, causing inflation.
- The philosopher warned that utilitarianism could debase moral reasoning to mere cost-benefit analysis.
- He refused to debase his artistic vision for commercial appeal.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'base' (low) metal being added to a 'precious' metal to make it less pure. To DEBASE is to make something BASE or low.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY/QUALITY IS PURITY (debase = to add impurity). STATUS IS HEIGHT (debase = to lower).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation to "снижать" (to lower) as it's too broad. Closer to "опошлять", "унижать", "обесценивать" in moral/social contexts, or "портить (добавляя примеси)" for physical things.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: "The scandal debased about his reputation." Correct: "The scandal debased his reputation." (transitive verb, no preposition).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'debase' used MOST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it originates from coinage, it is commonly used abstractly for morality, standards, language, and reputation.
They are very close synonyms. 'Debase' often implies a lowering of intrinsic value or purity (like currency), while 'degrade' can emphasise a step-by-step lowering or humiliation. They are often interchangeable in moral contexts.
Yes, e.g., "I wouldn't debase myself by lying to get the job." This means to lower one's own dignity.
Yes, 'debasement' (e.g., the debasement of the currency).