Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

debase

/dɪˈbeɪs/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 2.10 in modern English

Syllables
de-base
IPA
/dɪˈbeɪs/
9
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
5
Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To lower in character, quality, or value; to degrade.

Transitive verb

verb

To lower in position or rank.

Archaic; Transitive verb

verb

To lower the value of (a currency) by reducing the amount of valuable metal in the coins.

Transitive verb

Example Sentences

Etymology

From de- + base, from Old French bas, from Latin bassus. Cognate with Spanish debajo (“under, beneath, below”). Compare abase.

Origin

Word Breakdown

Regional Pronunciation

  • British English: /dɪˈbeɪs/

Usage

Inflected Forms

debases (present, singular) debasing (participle, present) debased (participle, past) debased (past)

Derived Forms

debased debasedness debasement debaser debasingly undebased

Frequently Paired Words

demean

Synonyms

abase adulterate degrade demean debauch cut down to size demote humble bring down to size debase defame depress

Antonyms

enhance enrich

Rhymes With

place case face space face-to-face race base worst-case replace grace chase pace

Questions

How do you pronounce debase?
The recorded pronunciation is /dɪˈbeɪs/.
What does debase mean?
To lower in character, quality, or value; to degrade.
Where does debase come from?
It is traced to Old French.

How to pronounce debase

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “debase”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/dɪˈbeɪs/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “debase”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “debase” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.