Degradate vs. Degrade: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 23, 2023
"Degradate" is incorrect; the proper term is "Degrade," referring to lowering in rank, quality, or character.
Which is correct: Degradate or Degrade
How to spell Degrade?
Degradate is Incorrect
Degrade is Correct
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Key Differences
Remember "grade" is the root, focusing on quality, level, or rank.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Associate "degrade" with related words like “degradation” to reinforce the correct spelling.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Visualizing the correct spelling can aid in remembering it.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Regularly repeating "degrade" can help embed the correct spelling in memory.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Regularly writing the word correctly reinforces memory.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
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Degradate and Degrade Definitions
Degrade
To reduce in quality or value; demean.
Pollution can degrade air quality.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Degrade
To lower in rank, dignity, or significance.
They should not degrade themselves with such behavior.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Degrade
To impair in respect to some physical property.
Extended use can degrade the machine's performance.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 23, 2023
Degrade
To lower the moral character of someone.
Constant criticism will degrade anyone's confidence.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
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Degrade
To lower in quality or value; make inferior or less valuable
Land that was degraded by overgrazing.
A virus that degrades the computer's performance.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Degrade
To lower in dignity; dishonor or disgrace
Seemed to feel that he was degrading himself in accepting the invitation.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Degrade
(transitive) To lower in value or social position.
Fred degrades himself by his behaviour.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Degrade
To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Degrade
To reduce from a higher to a lower rank or degree; to lower in rank; to deprive of office or dignity; to strip of honors; as, to degrade a nobleman, or a general officer.
Prynne was sentenced by the Star Chamber Court to be degraded from the bar.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Degrade
To reduce in estimation, character, or reputation; to lessen the value of; to lower the physical, moral, or intellectual character of; to debase; to bring shame or contempt upon; to disgrace; as, vice degrades a man.
O miserable mankind, to what fallDegraded, to what wretched state reserved!
Yet time ennobles or degrades each line.
Her pride . . . struggled hard against this degrading passion.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Degrade
To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Degrade
To degenerate; to pass from a higher to a lower type of structure; as, a family of plants or animals degrades through this or that genus or group of genera.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Degrade
Reduce in worth or character, usually verbally;
She tends to put down younger women colleagues
His critics took him down after the lecture
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 17, 2023
Degrade
To break down into components or simpler compounds.
Sunlight degrades certain chemicals in the soil.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
FAQs
What is the root word of Degrade?
The root word is "gradus," Latin for step or grade.
Janet White
Sep 23, 2023
Which vowel is used before Degrade?
Any vowel can precede “degrade,” depending on the preceding word in the sentence.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Which preposition is used with Degrade?
“To” is often used as in “degrade to a lower state.”
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Is Degrade an abstract noun?
No, "degrade" is not an abstract noun; however, "degradation," a related noun, can be considered abstract.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Which conjunction is used with Degrade?
Any conjunction can be used with "degrade," depending on the context.
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
Why is it called Degrade?
It is called "degrade" from the Latin "degradare," meaning to reduce to a lower rank, due to the action of lowering in quality, rank, or character.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Is Degrade a vowel or consonant?
"Degrade" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
Janet White
Sep 23, 2023
Is the Degrade term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically to describe lowering in quality or character.
Janet White
Sep 23, 2023
What is the opposite of Degrade?
The opposite of "degrade" is "elevate" or "enhance."
Sara Rehman
Sep 23, 2023
Which determiner is used with Degrade?
"This," "that," "these," "those" can be used as determiners with "degrade."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Is the word Degrade imperative?
It can be used in the imperative mood, as in commands or requests.
Janet White
Sep 23, 2023
What is another term for Degrade?
Another term for "degrade" could be "demote" or "debase."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
How is Degrade used in a sentence?
"Exposure to the elements will degrade the exterior paint over time."
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Which article is used with Degrade?
"A" or "the" can be used, depending on the sentence context.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 23, 2023
Is Degrade a negative or positive word?
Degrade generally has a negative connotation as it involves lowering in quality, rank, or character.
Janet White
Sep 23, 2023
What is a stressed syllable in Degrade?
The second syllable, "grade," is stressed in "degrade."
Harlon Moss
Sep 23, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
