cheapen
/'tʃi:pən/
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To make something lower in quality, value, or dignity; to degrade or devalue.
- To cause something to become less respected or esteemed.
Usage
The verb "cheapen" is used to describe the action of reducing the perceived worth, quality, or dignity of something. It often carries a negative connotation, implying a loss of respect or value that is not merely financial. - It is typically followed by a direct object (what is being devalued). - It is commonly used in contexts discussing reputation, art, discourse, or public perception.
Examples
- Verb:
- Using too many special effects can cheapen the emotional impact of a film.
- The celebrity's constant scandals cheapened her public image.
- He felt that selling his artwork as mass-produced prints would cheapen its original value.
Advanced Usage
- "to cheapen oneself": to lower one's own dignity or standards through one's actions.
- She refused to cheapen herself by engaging in petty arguments.
Variants and Related Words
- Cheap (adjective): Low in price or cost; of inferior quality or value.
- The material felt cheap and flimsy.
- Cheaply (adverb): In a cheap manner; at low cost.
- The furniture was made cheaply.
Synonyms
- Debase: To lower in character, quality, or value.
- Devalue: To reduce the worth or importance of something.
- Degrade: To lower in dignity or estimation; to bring into disrepute.
- Trivialize: To make something seem less important, significant, or complex than it really is.
Antonyms
- Enhance: To intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of.
- Ennoble: To lend greater dignity or nobility of character to.
- Value: To consider something to be important or beneficial; to rate highly.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Cheapen the discourse: To lower the quality or intellectual level of a discussion, often by introducing vulgar or simplistic arguments.
- Personal attacks only serve to cheapen the discourse on important issues.
Verb
-
lower the grade of something; reduce its worth
