demean

demean — 動詞

1. to lower someone's dignity or self-respect by treating them unfairly, speaking a

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

貶低

降低他人尊嚴或地位

to lower someone's dignity or self-respect by treating them unfairly, speaking about them with contempt, or giving them work that is far below their usual level.

例句

Nellie felt that asking her team to clean the toilets would demean them.

Nellie 認為要求她的團隊去清掃廁所會貶低他們。

that-clause after feel: demean + object

Vikram refused to demean himself by lying to customers about the product.

Vikram 拒絕對顧客說謊來貶低自己。

reflexive: demean + oneself

同義詞
  • belittle

    primarily about making someone or their achievements seem unimportant through words; less about actions

  • humiliate

    stronger, more emotional — involves public shame or deep embarrassment

  • degrade

    suggests a systematic reduction in rank, quality, or moral character; more formal

反義詞
  • elevate

    to lift someone to a higher position or level of respect

  • honor

    to show public respect and admiration for someone

文法句型

demean + object

demean + oneself

be demeaned + by + noun phrase

用法筆記

Subject can be a person, an action, a situation, or an institution — anything that lowers someone's dignity. Frequently used with reflexive pronouns ('demean oneself') and in passive constructions ('felt demeaned').

常見錯誤

❌The teacher deemed the student in front of the class.
✅The teacher demeaned the student in front of the class.
💡'deem' means to consider or judge; 'demean' means to lower someone's dignity.