degrade etymology

Etymology

The word "degrade" comes from the late Latin "degradare," which means "to step down or descend." It is derived from the Latin prefix "de-" (down) and the root "gradus" (step).

Meaning

• To reduce in rank, status, or quality
• To lower the character or reputation of
• To cause to become morally corrupt or impure
• To deteriorate or decline in condition

Origin

The word "degrade" entered the English language in the 16th century. It was originally used in a religious context to describe the process of removing a priest or other clergy member from their office. By the 17th century, the word had taken on a more general meaning, referring to any act of diminishing someone or something.

Examples

• The company's recent scandals have degraded its reputation.
• The once-respected politician has now degraded himself to the level of a common criminal.
• The weather conditions have degraded the quality of the crops.
• The aging process can degrade the body's physical and mental abilities.

degrade relate terms

• biodegradable

  Etymology The word biodegradable is derived from two roots Bio From the Greek wor

• degrade

  Etymology The word degrade comes from the late Latin degradare which means to step

• degradable

  Etymology The word degradable originates from the Latin word degradare which means

• degrade

  Etymology The word degrade comes from the late Latin degradare which means to step

• demean

  Etymology Middle English demeinen from Old French demaignier from Medieval Latin dis

• abject

  Etymology From Latin abjectus past participle of abjicere to throw away cast of

• disparage

  Etymology From Middle English disparagen desparagen desparageren from Anglo Norman F

• revile

  Etymology The word revile comes from the Old French word revilir which in turn come

• abjection

  Etymology From French abjection destitution misery degradation from Latin abject

• degeneration

  Etymology The word degeneration comes from the Latin word degenerare meaning to de

• chagrin

  Etymology The word chagrin comes from the Old French word chagriner meaning to anno

• humble

  Etymology The word humble comes from the Latin word humilis which means low or on

• abase

  Etymology The word abase comes from the Old French word abasser which in turn comes