devalue
dee-VAL-yoo
/ˌdiːˈvæljuː/
To reduce the worth or importance of something.
Often used specifically for currency or for the emotional worth of an achievement.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'valere' (to be strong/worth). The term 'devalue' emerged in the late 19th century as global trade required a way to describe shifting currency rates.
Word relationships
- depreciate: Depreciate often happens naturally over time (like a car), while devalue is often a deliberate action.
- appreciate: To increase in value over time.
Commonly confused with
- degrade: Degrade implies a loss of quality or dignity; devalue is strictly about worth.
Word family
- devaluation (noun): The reduction in the official value of a currency.
Collocations
- devalue currency
- devalue an achievement
- devalue a contribution
Example sentences
- "The country was forced to devalue its currency to make its exports more competitive." Economics
- "Constant criticism can devalue a person's sense of self-worth over time." Social
Memory hook
De-Value: To take the 'Value' out of the vault. Worth less.
When not to use
Don't use it for physical damage (like 'he devalued the car by crashing it'); use 'damaged' or 'lowered the resale value'.
Fun facts
- Governments sometimes devalue currency on purpose to help their own industries sell more goods abroad.
Related words
Explore more words
Devaluation, disparage, denigration, Depreciation, deteriorate, degradation
Also appears in
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