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What is the difference between debase and abase?

debase | abase |

Abase is a synonym of debase.



In transitive terms the difference between debase and abase

is that debase is to lower the value of (a currency) by reducing the amount of valuable metal in the coins while abase is to lower, as in rank, office, condition in life, so as to hurt feelings or cause pain; to depress; to humiliate; to humble; to degrade.

In transitive archaic terms the difference between debase and abase

is that debase is to lower in position or rank while abase is to lower physically or depress; to stoop; to throw or cast down; as, to abase the eye.

debase

English

Verb

(debas)
  • To lower in character, quality, or value; to degrade.
  • (archaic) To lower in position or rank.Oxford English Dictionary , 2nd ed., 1989.
  • To lower the value of (a currency) by reducing the amount of valuable metal in the coins.

    • Synonyms

    * adulterate, degrade, demean

    Derived terms

    * debased * debasedness * debasement * debaser * undebased

    References

    Anagrams

    *

    abase

    English

    Verb

    (abas)
  • (archaic) To lower physically or depress; to stoop; to throw or cast down; as, to abase the eye.
    • "Saying so, he abased his lance''." - ''
  • To lower, as in rank, office, condition in life, so as to hurt feelings or cause pain; to depress; to humiliate; to humble; to degrade.
    • "Whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased'' ." - ''Luke 14:11
  • (obsolete) To lower in value, in particular as altering the content of alloys in coins.

    • Synonyms

    * debase * degrade

    Antonyms

    * promote * exalt * extoll

    Derived terms

    * abasedly * abasement * abaser

    References

    * *