Langimage
English

devalued

|de-val-ued|

B2

/diˈvæl.juːd/

(devalue)

reduce worth

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounAdjective
devaluedevaluationsdevaluesdevalueddevalueddevaluingdevaluationdevalued
Etymology
Etymology Information

'devalue' originates from the prefix 'de-' meaning 'down' or 'away' and the word 'value' from Latin 'valere' meaning 'to be strong or worth'.

Historical Evolution

'devalue' evolved from the French word 'dévaluer', which was adopted into English in the early 20th century.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to reduce the value of currency', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to reduce the value of a currency in relation to other currencies.

The government decided to devalue the national currency to boost exports.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

having reduced or diminished value or importance.

The devalued property was sold at a loss.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45