downgrades
|down/grades|
B2
/ˈdaʊnˌɡreɪdz/
(downgrade)
lower in rank or status
Etymology
Etymology Information
'downgrade' originates from the combination of 'down' and 'grade', where 'down' meant 'lower' and 'grade' referred to 'a level or rank'.
Historical Evolution
'downgrade' evolved from the combination of the words 'down' and 'grade' in English, maintaining its meaning of reducing rank or status.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to move to a lower level', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a reduction in status, rank, or level.
The company faced several downgrades from credit rating agencies.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/02/13 08:40