abase
/ə'beis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb:
- To lower in rank, dignity, or esteem; to degrade or humble someone, often in a way that causes shame or loss of self-respect.
- To behave in a way that belittles or reduces one's own dignity or status.
Usage
The verb "abase" is a formal word. It is typically used with an object (a transitive verb). It describes an action that reduces someone's standing, honor, or self-respect. It can be used reflexively ("to abase oneself").
Examples
- Verb (transitive):
- The tyrant sought to abase his political rivals through public ridicule.
- She refused to abase her principles for personal gain.
- Verb (reflexive):
- He would not abase himself by begging for forgiveness.
- The courtiers were forced to abase themselves before the emperor.
Advanced Usage
- "To abase oneself before someone": To humiliate or degrade oneself in front of another person, often to show extreme submission or to seek favor.
- The defeated general was made to abase himself before the conquering king.
Variants and Related Words
- Abasement (noun): The action or fact of abasing or being abased; humiliation.
- The public abasement of the official was shocking.
- Abased (adjective): Feeling or appearing lowered in dignity; humbled.
- He looked abased after the harsh criticism.
Synonyms
- Humiliate: To make someone feel ashamed and foolish by injuring their dignity and pride.
- Degrade: To lower in character, quality, or value; to debase.
- Debase: To reduce in quality, value, or character (often used for things, but can apply to people).
- Belittle: To dismiss someone or something as unimportant.
Antonyms
- Exalt: To hold in very high regard; to praise highly.
- Elevate: To raise to a higher position or rank.
- Honor: To regard with great respect.
Notes on Meaning
- Primary Meaning: The core meaning of "abase" involves a deliberate act of lowering status or dignity, causing shame. It implies a loss of honor.
- Reflexive Use: A common and powerful usage is the reflexive form "abase oneself," which emphasizes a voluntary or forced act of self-humiliation.
Verb
- cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
- He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss