Past tense of abase; lowered in rank, dignity, or position.
From Old French abasier (to lower), combining a- (to) + bas (low), from Latin bassus. The word evolved to mean humiliation or degradation of status.
The word 'abase' comes from the same root as 'bass' (low pitch in music), so both literally mean 'to make low'—whether lowering your voice or your social standing!
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