Demean Meaning in English
word
dɪˈmin
di-MEEN
dɪmˈiːn
dim-EEN
Definition
To make someone feel less important or respected; to lower someone's dignity or worth.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in formal or serious contexts. Common collocations: 'demean yourself', 'demean others', 'demean someone's achievements'. Not to be confused with 'degrade' (which can mean to break down physically or morally). Implies emotional harm or loss of respect.
Spanish: despreciar - degradarPortuguese (BR): rebaixar - humilharPortuguese (PT): rebaixar - humilharChinese (Simplified): 贬低 - 侮辱Chinese (Traditional): 貶低 - 侮辱Hindi: अपमानित करनाArabic: إهانة - التقليل من شأنBengali: অসম্মান করা - অপমান করাRussian: унижать - принижатьJapanese: 辱める - 貶めるVietnamese: hạ thấp - làm nhụcKorean: 모욕하다 - 폄하하다Turkish: aşağılamak - küçümsemekUrdu: ذلیل کرنا - رسوا کرناIndonesian: merendahkan - menghinakan
Example Sentences
Don't demean others to feel better about yourself.
basic
I would never demean my friends in public.
basic
Her comment was meant to demean his hard work.
basic
He refused to demean himself by apologizing for something he didn't do.
natural
Making jokes at someone's expense can really demean them.
natural
She felt demeaned by her boss's unfair criticism.
natural