What does devaluate mean?
'Devaluate' is a verb meaning to reduce the value of something — most often a currency — or to cause something to lose its worth or standing. For example, a government might devaluate its currency to make exports more competitive, or critics might say repeated scandal has devaluated an institution's reputation. The word carries a formal, largely economic register and is closely associated with monetary policy, where devaluation refers to an official lowering of a currency's exchange rate under a fixed regime. In everyday use, however, 'devaluate' is rare: most writers prefer 'devalue', which is identical in meaning but far more idiomatic. 'Devaluate' arose as a back-formation from the noun 'devaluation', rather than being formed directly like 'devalue'. Because of this, using 'devaluate' can sound slightly stilted or unusual to modern readers. It remains a legitimate word found in dictionaries, but learners of English are generally better served by 'devalue' unless quoting older economic texts.
verbTo devaluate is to reduce or lose the value of something, especially a currency; it is a less common variant of 'devalue'.
- To lower the official value of a currency.
- To diminish the worth or status of something.
"The government's decision to devaluate the currency triggered a sharp rise in import prices."
"The central bank moved to devaluate the currency in an attempt to boost exports."
"Constant criticism can devaluate even the most confident person's sense of self-worth."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of devaluate
'Devaluate' was formed in English by back-formation from the noun 'devaluation', itself built from the prefix 'de-' (down, away) plus 'valuation', from Latin 'valere', meaning 'to be worth'. It emerged later than 'devalue' and never achieved the same currency in English. Its root connects it to words such as 'evaluate', 'value', and 'valid', all ultimately tracing back to the same Latin verb.
Related word forms
How devaluate is actually used
'Devaluate' is considerably less common than 'devalue' and may sound awkward or dated to many readers; it is best reserved for formal economic writing or avoided altogether in favour of 'devalue'.
Easily confused with devaluate
'Devaluate' means the same thing as 'devalue' but is a rarer back-formation from 'devaluation'; 'devalue' is the standard and far more common form in modern English.