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To lower in rank, office, prestige, or esteem.
synonyms:humbledemean
The word 'abase' comes from the Middle English 'abasen', which stems from the Old French 'abaisser', meaning 'to lower'. Its roots can be traced back to the Latin 'bassus', meaning 'low'.
This word is typically used in literary or formal contexts, often to describe actions that degrade or belittle someone.
While 'abase' is not commonly used in everyday conversation, it appears in literature and formal writing, making it recognizable but not frequently spoken.
The teacher did not want to abase her students, so she offered constructive criticism instead.
He felt that the harsh words were intended to abase his character in front of his peers.
Rather than abase others to elevate himself, he chose to uplift those around him.
The word 'abase' has an interesting history that dates back to the Latin term for 'low'. It's often used to describe situations where someone's dignity or self-esteem is diminished, whether intentionally or unintentionally. In literature, characters who abase others often find themselves on the wrong side of morality. So next time you encounter someone who tries to bring others down, remember that to 'abase' is to lower—not just others, but perhaps their own standing in the process. It's a reminder of the importance of uplifting rather than diminishing those around us.