abase
Verb
Hard difficulty
What does “abase” mean?
verb.to humble or degrade someone; to lower in rank or status.
SAT Usage
This verb often appears in contexts related to social hierarchies or moral dilemmas, emphasizing the intentional act of undermining someone's dignity or status. It specifically conveys a sense of deliberate humiliation, distinguishing it from similar words like "humiliate," which may not always imply a reduction in rank or status.
Common Confusions
Abase implies a deliberate act of lowering someone's rank or dignity, while belittle usually suggests making someone or something seem less important without necessarily diminishing their status.
Do not choose abase if the context emphasizes respect or elevation rather than humbling or degrading someone.
Example Sentences
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The tyrant used public humiliation to abase his opponents.
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The harsh criticism seemed designed to abase him publicly.