French Conversation · Level 154
30 words
French word
dégrader
Pronunciation
IPA/degʁade/
Meaning
- verbtarnish
Example
Ne publie pas ça, ça va dégrader sa réputation.
Don't publish that; it will tarnish his reputation.
More examples
La pollution peut dégrader la qualité de l'eau.
Pollution can degrade water quality.
Core concept
A valued thing sliding down from its proper level, becoming less respected, useful, or sound.
Common phrases
dégrader la qualité de l'eau
degrade water quality
dégrader l'image
degrade the image
dégrader la réputation
degrade the reputation
Similar words
dénigrer: To describe a person or thing as less capable or valuable, harming its reputation.
diffamer: To harm someone's reputation by spreading untrue statements about them.
salir: To tarnish a person's reputation or public image through words, actions, or rumors.
rabaisser: To treat someone as inferior through words or behavior, lowering their perceived worth.
Definition in French
Porter atteinte à la dignité, à la réputation ou à la valeur de quelqu'un ou de quelque chose, ou provoquer une détérioration matérielle.
Word origin
Dégrader comes from Latin degradare, 'to lower a step', formed from de- 'down' and gradus 'step', then extending from rank to reputation, value, and condition.
Usage tips
- With a person as object, dégrader quelqu'un suggests damaging that person's standing or dignity, not merely criticizing them.
Other meanings
- debaseverb
- demeanverb
- damageverb
Related words
- dégradationdegradationnoun
- dégradédegradedadjective
- dégradabledegradableadjective