Debased

/dɪˈbeɪst/ adjective

Definition

Reduced in rank, quality, or respectability; no longer pure or of high value.

Etymology

Past tense and past participle of 'debase,' following regular English verb conjugation patterns. It became an adjective when used to describe things that have undergone degradation.

Kelly Says

When you say 'debased currency' or 'debased language,' you're using a word that originally described what medieval kings actually did to money—it's a perfect example of how technical economic terms become everyday vocabulary.

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