demean

Definition

To debase; to lower; to degrade.

Etymology

(1595) From de- + mean (“lowly, base, common”), from Middle English mene, aphetic variation of imene (“mean, base, common”), from Old English ġemǣne (“mean, common”). Compare English bemean.

Example Sentences

• "It was, of course, Mrs. Sedley's opinion that her son would demean himself by a marriage with an artist's daughter."

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