What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
demean
Example
He had a way of demeaning his coworkers with his sarcastic comments. [demeaning: present participle]
Example
Her rude behavior towards the waiter was a clear attempt to demean him. [demean: verb]
degrade
Example
The company's decision to demote him was a clear attempt to degrade his position. [degrade: verb]
Example
The quality of the product has degraded significantly since they changed the formula. [degraded: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Degrade is more commonly used than demean in everyday language. Degrade is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while demean is less common and refers to a more specific type of negative behavior.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between demean and degrade?
Both demean and degrade are typically associated with a formal or serious tone, as they describe negative actions or behaviors that can have significant consequences for individuals or organizations.
