demeaning etymology

Etymology:

"Demeaning" originates from the Old English word "gemana," meaning "to reduce." It was later modified into various forms, including Middle English "demenen" and Late Latin "deminuo."

Meaning:

"Demeaning" has two primary meanings:

  • To lower in status or esteem:

    • To make someone feel unworthy or insignificant.
    • To treat someone with disrespect or contempt.
  • To behave in a manner that is degrading or humiliating:

    • To engage in activities that are considered shameful or degrading.
    • To act in a way that lowers one's own or another's self-respect.

Origin:

The concept of "demeaning" has been present in various cultures and languages throughout history. It is closely related to the idea of social hierarchy and the importance of maintaining one's status within a group.

In the Middle Ages, "demeaning" was used to refer to the act of reducing someone's rank or position in society. By the 16th century, it had acquired its modern meaning of belittling or humiliating someone.

Today, "demeaning" is commonly used to describe behaviors, attitudes, or words that are intended to make someone feel inferior, unworthy, or ashamed.

demeaning relate terms

  • demean

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

  • mean

    Etymology Old English mǣne Proto Germanic mainiz Proto Indo European mei to think

  • debase

    Etymology The word debase comes from the Old French word debasser which means to lo

  • demeanor

    Etymology Demeanor originates from Old French demeiner to behave conduct oneself

  • demeaning

    Etymology Demeaning originates from the Old English word gemana meaning to reduce

  • abase

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

  • chagrin

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

  • degrade

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

  • mortify

    Etymology The word mortify originates from the Latin word mortificare which is deriv

  • reduce

    Etymology Latin reducere from re back ducere to lead Middle French reduir

  • humble

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

  • virus

    Etymology Latin vīrus plural vĭrā Middle English virus Meaning A microscopic

  • category

    Etymology The word category derives from the Ancient Greek word kategoria meaning

  • Sabbath

    Etymology The word Sabbath comes from the Hebrew word shabbat pronounced shab BAHT