undermining
|un-der-min-ing|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌʌndərˈmaɪnɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌndəˈmaɪnɪŋ/
(undermine)
weaken gradually
Etymology
Etymology Information
'undermine' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'underminen,' where 'under-' meant 'below' and 'minen' meant 'to mine or dig.'
Historical Evolution
'underminen' transformed into the modern English word 'undermine' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to dig beneath,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to weaken or erode.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle of 'undermine'.
The constant criticism was undermining his confidence.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41