degrades
|de-grades|
/dɪˈɡreɪdz/
(degrade)
lower in quality or status
Etymology
'degrade' originates from French, specifically the word 'dégrader', ultimately from Late Latin 'degradare', where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'gradus' meant 'step' or 'grade'.
'degradare' in Late Latin passed into Old/Middle French as 'degrader' or 'dégrader' and was borrowed into English as 'degrade' in the 16th century.
Initially it meant 'to remove from a step or rank' (to demote); over time it broadened to include lowering quality, causing chemical breakdown, and treating someone with contempt.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to lower in rank, status, or office; to demote.
The board degrades the officer after finding evidence of misconduct.
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Verb 2
to reduce in quality, value, or character; to deteriorate.
Acid rain degrades the stonework on the historic building and degrades its appearance.
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Verb 3
to break down chemically or biologically; to decompose.
Ultraviolet light degrades certain plastics and shortens their lifespan.
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Verb 4
to humiliate or treat someone with contempt, reducing their dignity or self-respect.
He often degrades his colleagues with sarcastic remarks.
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Last updated: 2025/10/02 20:11