Definition of demean
demeaned
;demeaning
transitive verb
: to conduct or behave (oneself) usually in a proper manner he might have been observed to demean himself as a person with nothing to do — Henry James †1916
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Origin and Etymology of demean
Middle English demenen, from Anglo-French demener to conduct, from de- + mener to lead, from Latin minare to drive, from minari to threaten — more at mount
First Known Use: 14th century
demean
Definition of demean
demeaned
;demeaning
transitive verb
: to lower in character, status, or reputation careful not to demean his opponent demeaning the seriousness of the problem
Origin and Etymology of demean
de- + 1mean
First Known Use: 1601
DEMEAN Defined for Kids
Definition of demean for Students
demeaned
;demeaning
: to lower in character or dignity She feels that such work demeans her.
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See words that rhyme with demean Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for demean Spanish Central: Translation of demean Nglish: Translation of demean for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of demean for Arabic speakers
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