Definitions and Examples of degrade, vilify
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
To lower in dignity, honor, or quality; to reduce to a lower rank or position.
Example
The company's decision to outsource jobs will degrade the quality of their products.
To speak or write about someone in an abusive or slanderous manner; to defame or criticize harshly.
Example
The politician's opponents tried to vilify him by spreading false rumors about his personal life.
Key Differences: degrade vs vilify
- 1Degrade implies a lowering of status or quality, while vilify implies a verbal attack or defamation.
- 2Degrade can be used in a neutral context, while vilify is always negative and critical.
Effective Usage of degrade, vilify
- 1Express Disapproval: Use degrade and vilify to express disapproval or criticism towards someone or something.
- 2Discuss Social Issues: Incorporate these antonyms in discussions about social issues to explore different perspectives.
- 3Analyze Literature: Utilize these antonyms in literary analysis to examine how characters are portrayed and evaluated.
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Remember this!
The antonyms have distinct nuances: Degrade implies a lowering of status or quality, while vilify implies a verbal attack or defamation. Use these words to express disapproval, discuss social issues, and analyze literature by examining how characters are portrayed and evaluated.
