Word: Bastardize
Part of Speech: Verb
Basic Definition: 1. To declare a child to be illegitimate (not legally recognized as a child of a certain parent). 2. To change something so that it loses its original quality or value, making it less valuable or less pure.
Usage Instructions: - "Bastardize" is often used in formal or literary contexts. It can refer to people (like declaring a child illegitimate) or to things (like art or traditions) that have been changed in a way that reduces their quality.
Examples: 1. In terms of illegitimacy: "The court decided to bastardize the child’s claim to the inheritance because he was born out of wedlock." 2. In terms of quality: "Some critics believe that commercializing the art form has bastardized its original meaning."
Advanced Usage: - In discussions about culture or art, you might hear phrases like, "The modern adaptation of the classic novel has bastardized the original story," meaning that the new version has changed the essential qualities of the original.
Word Variants: - Bastardization (noun): The process of making something worse or of declaring something illegitimate. - Example: "The bastardization of the original play led to many fans feeling disappointed." - Bastard (noun): A person born of parents not married to each other; can also be used informally to describe someone who behaves badly.
Different Meanings: - While the word primarily refers to illegitimacy and loss of quality, it can also be used in a broader sense to describe any significant alteration that diminishes the value of something.
Synonyms: - For illegitimacy: Illegitimate, out-of-wedlock - For loss of quality: Corrupt, degrade, dilute, pervert
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There aren’t direct idioms or phrasal verbs that use "bastardize," but you can use phrases like “water down” or “dilute” when talking about reducing quality.
Final Note:It's important to use the term "bastardize" carefully, as it can have strong connotations and might offend some people, especially in contexts involving personal relationships or cultural discussions.