French word

avilissant

Pronunciation

IPA/avilisɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectivedemeaning

Example

Ton commentaire est avilissant.

Your comment is demeaning.

Illustration for avilissant (demeaning)

More examples

Ses propos avilissants ont été signalés.

His demeaning remarks were reported.

Core concept

A person treated as if their worth has been made low and unworthy of respect.

Common phrases

  • commentaire avilissant

    demeaning comment

  • insulte avilissante

    demeaning insult

  • propos avilissants

    demeaning remarks

Similar words

humiliant: Humiliating someone and wounding their personal dignity.
méprisant: Expressing scornful contempt toward someone.
dévalorisant: Undervaluing someone and diminishing their abilities.
offensant: Offending someone or making them feel insulted.

Definition in French

Qui rabaisse une personne en portant atteinte à sa dignité ou à sa valeur.

Word origin

The adjective avilissant is formed from avilir and reflects the older French adjective vil, descended from Latin vilis, 'of little worth'.

Usage tips

  • Avilissant is stronger than blessant because it suggests an attack on dignity or worth rather than mere emotional hurt.

Other meanings

  • humiliatingadjective

Opposites

Word lists with this word