devalue

Language: en

🇺🇸 /dɪˈvæˌljuː/

📖 Definitions

  1. verb
    To reduce the value or worth of something; to cause something to be worth less than before.; To reduce the official value of a currency in relation to other currencies or to a standard such as gold.; To diminish the importance, status, or reputation of someone or something.; To reduce the market price or exchange rate of a commodity or asset.

🔗 Details

Word forms

3rd sing.: devalues Past: devalued Past part.: devalued Pres part.: devaluing

Collocations

devalue the currencydevalue the dollardevalue assetsdevalue propertydevalue one's work

Derivatives

devaluationdevaluedrevaluerevaluation

Synonyms

depreciatedegradediminishreducelowercheapen

Antonyms

appreciaterevalueenhanceincrease

Commonly confused

devaluate
EN: 'Devaluate' is a less common variant of 'devalue'; 'devalue' is the standard and preferred form in modern English.
depreciate
EN: 'Depreciate' often implies a gradual loss of value over time (especially for assets), while 'devalue' can imply a deliberate or sudden reduction in value (especially currency).

Spelling tips

EN: Do not confuse 'devalue' with the less standard 'devaluate'. The noun form is 'devaluation', not 'devaluement'.

💬 Examples

  1. The government decided to devalue the currency to boost exports.

  2. Several countries devalued their currencies during the economic crisis.

  3. Constant criticism can devalue a person's sense of self-worth.

  4. The oversupply of oil devalued the commodity on international markets.