abase

IPA/əˈbeɪs/
IPA/əˈbeɪs/

abase — verb

  • abasepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • abaseshe / she / it
  • abasedpast simple
  • abasing-ing form

1. To lower your own dignity, or another person's dignity, by accepting shameful tr

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

To lower your own dignity, or another person's dignity, by accepting shameful treatment or acting as if another person completely controls you.

例句

The defeated captain abased himself before the king to save his crew.

pattern: abase yourself before + person

The boss's cruel email abased her in front of the whole office.

transitive: abase + object publicly

同義詞
  • degrade

    Often stresses pushing someone to a lower rank or level.

  • demean

    Usually focuses on making someone seem less worthy of respect.

  • humiliate

    Emphasizes the shame someone feels, especially in public.

反義詞
  • honour

    Means to show respect instead of lowering dignity.

  • uplift

    Suggests raising someone's spirits or sense of worth.

文法句型

abase + object

abase yourself before + noun

abase yourself by + -ing

用法筆記

Often reflexive when someone lowers their own dignity. In transitive use, the object is usually a person or that person's sense of worth, not an everyday thing.

常見錯誤

❌After the mistake, Hana abased to the teacher.
✅After the mistake, Hana abased herself before the teacher.
💡When the same person lowers their own dignity, this verb is usually reflexive.
❌The coach abased the rookie with kind advice.
✅The coach humbled the rookie with kind advice.
💡abase suggests degrading treatment or loss of respect, not gentle correction.