demeaningly
|de/mean/ing/ly|
/dɪˈmiːn/
(demean)
lower in dignity
Etymology
'demean' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'demenen', where it was influenced by Old French 'demeener' meaning 'to lead, conduct'.
'demean' changed from Old French 'demeener' to Middle English 'demenen' and eventually became the modern English verb 'demean'.
Initially, it meant 'to conduct oneself', but over time it evolved into its current dominant sense of 'to lower in dignity' or 'to treat someone with disrespect'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to conduct or behave (oneself); (archaic) to manage or have a specified conduct.
In older texts, 'demean' often means to conduct oneself with a particular behavior.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to lower the dignity, status, or self-respect of someone; to degrade.
His remarks demeaned the volunteers.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Adverb 1
in a demeaning manner; humiliatingly; in a way that treats someone as lower or less worthy.
She spoke demeaningly to the new employee.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/29 19:08