What does debase mean?
To debase is to lower the value, quality, or dignity of something, often through corruption, dilution, or unworthy treatment. The word applies both literally — as when governments historically debased coins by mixing in cheaper metals — and figuratively, to describe the degradation of language, art, institutions, or personal character. One might speak of a debate that has been debased by insults, or of a person who refuses to debase themselves through dishonesty. Debase carries strongly negative connotations and tends toward formal or literary registers; it implies that whatever is being lowered once possessed genuine worth. Closely related to "abase," which focuses on humbling a person, "debase" is broader in scope, encompassing anything whose intrinsic value can be diminished. Its enduring usefulness lies in capturing not just decline, but a fall from an original standard.
verbTo reduce the value, quality, or dignity of something; to lower in status, character, or purity, especially through corruption or unworthy treatment.
- To lower the value or quality of something, especially by adding inferior material or diluting its purity (often applied to currency).
- To reduce someone or something's dignity, moral character, or status; to degrade or corrupt.
"Critics argued that the constant scandals had debased the office of the presidency."
"The government debased the coinage by mixing cheaper metals into the silver."
"He refused to debase himself by apologizing for something he hadn't done."
When Roman emperors secretly debased silver coins with cheaper metals, they sparked one of history's earliest recorded cases of inflation — and gave English a lasting word for corruption of value.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of debase
Debase entered English in the mid-16th century, formed from the prefix "de-" (indicating removal or reversal) combined with "base," meaning low or inferior in position or quality. The word "base" itself derives from Latin "bassus," meaning short or low, which also gives us related terms such as "abase" and "basement." Debase was originally applied especially to the practice of reducing the precious-metal content of coinage.
Related word forms
How debase is actually used
Debase is typically formal or literary in register. It carries strongly negative connotations, implying deliberate or negligent reduction of something once held valuable. It is frequently used figuratively about language, art, public discourse, and personal integrity, as well as literally about coinage.
Easily confused with debase
"Abase" means to humiliate or lower someone in rank or esteem (usually a person), while "debase" more broadly means to reduce value, quality, or dignity of anything — including objects, currency, language, or ideals.
"Decrease" simply means to become smaller in number or amount, whereas "debase" specifically implies a lowering in quality, worth, or moral standing.