Demean means to conduct or behave oneself in a generally proper or correct manner. This word comes from the Anglo-French verb 'demener' (to conduct), which in turn derives from the Latin 'minare' (to drive). The noun 'demeanor' (behavior) also derives from this verb.
Dignarse significa conducirse o comportarse de una manera generalmente adecuada o correcta. Esta palabra proviene del verbo anglofrancés 'demener' (conducir), que a su vez deriva del latín 'minare' (conducir). El sustantivo 'demeanor' (comportamiento) también deriva de este verbo.
| Word | demean |
|---|---|
| Date | May 6, 2017 |
| Type | verb |
| Syllables | dih-MEEN |
| Etymology | There are two words spelled demean in English. The more familiar demean—"to lower in character, status, or reputation"—comes straight from mean, the adjective that means "spiteful." Today's featured word, on the other hand, comes from the Anglo-French verb demener ("to conduct"), which in turn comes from Latin minare, meaning "to drive." This verb has been with us since the 14th century and is generally used in contexts (especially formal ones) specifying a type of behavior: "he demeaned himself in a most unfriendly manner"; "she demeaned herself as befitting her station in life"; "they knew not how to demean themselves in the king's presence." As you may have already guessed, the noun demeanor, meaning "behavior," comes from this demean. |
| Examples | Theresa was proud of how well her boys demeaned themselves during the ceremony. "He knew that he had been lackadaisical, and was ashamed of himself; and at once resolved that he would henceforth demean himself as though no calamity had happened to him." — Anthony Trollope, The Small House at Allington, 1864 |
| Definition | : to conduct or behave (oneself) usually in a proper manner |
Tags: wordoftheday::verb
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