The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

devalue

IPA:

Dictionary definition of devalue

To reduce or diminish the worth, importance, or significance of something, typically in terms of monetary value or esteem.
"The flood damage caused the property's value to devalue significantly."

Detailed meaning of devalue

When something is devalued, its perceived or assigned value is decreased, leading to a decline in its worth or reputation. In the context of currencies, devaluation refers to the deliberate reduction of a currency's value in relation to other currencies, often done by a government or central bank to improve export competitiveness or address economic imbalances. Beyond financial contexts, 'devalue' can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of diminishing the importance or significance of an idea, belief, or individual. This can occur through actions, statements, or behaviors that undermine or reduce the perceived worth or credibility of the subject in question. 'Devalue' entails a deliberate or unintentional action that results in lowering the perceived value or importance of something or someone.

Example sentences containing devalue

1. The company's decision to outsource production caused the value of its brand to devalue significantly.
2. The economic crisis led to the devaluation of the country's currency, causing inflation to rise.
3. The art collector feared that the unauthorized replicas would devalue the authenticity of his collection.
4. The harsh criticism from the renowned critic devalued the artist's work in the eyes of the public.
5. The car's resale price devalued rapidly due to its high mileage and poor condition.
6. The CEO's unethical behavior devalued the company's reputation among investors and customers.

History and etymology of devalue

The verb 'devalue' has its etymological origins rooted in Latin. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'devalere,' which is a combination of 'de,' indicating a reversal or reduction, and 'valere,' meaning 'to be worth' or 'to have value.' In its original Latin form, 'devalere' conveyed the notion of diminishing or decreasing the worth or value of something. As languages evolved, this concept found its way into English as 'devalue.' Over time, 'devalue' has been applied in various contexts, including economics and the assessment of importance or esteem. Therefore, the etymology of 'devalue' highlights its historical association with the act of reducing or diminishing the worth, importance, or significance of something, whether in terms of monetary value or general esteem.

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Further usage examples of devalue

1. The constant discounting of products during sales events can devalue their perceived quality.
2. The discovery of counterfeit goods on the market caused the brand's reputation to devalue overnight.
3. The widespread availability of a once-exclusive product caused it to devalue in the eyes of consumers.
4. The professor's careless remarks devalued the importance of the students' hard work.
5. The overuse of a particular word in conversation can devalue its impact and meaning over time.
6. Prolonged economic instability can gradually devalue a nation's currency.
7. A lack of maintenance can devalue a property over time.
8. Political scandals often devalue public trust in government.
9. Oversaturation can quickly devalue a trendy fashion item.
10. Mismanagement can devalue a company's reputation and stock.
11. Neglecting education can devalue a person's future opportunities.
12. Environmental damage can devalue natural habitats and ecosystems.
13. Inflation tends to devalue the purchasing power of money.
14. Overuse of a resource can devalue its long-term sustainability.
15. Uncertainty can devalue investments in volatile markets.
16. A negative review can devalue a restaurant's reputation.
17. Poor customer service can devalue a brand's image.
18. Careless handling can devalue a valuable antique.
19. An oversupply of a product can devalue its market price.
20. Plagiarism can devalue the originality of someone's work.
21. A lack of diversity can devalue the richness of a culture.
22. Economic downturns can devalue real estate assets.
23. Technological advancements can devalue older gadgets.
24. Inaccurate information can devalue the credibility of a source.
25. Shortages can devalue a currency on the black market.