Degradate vs. Degrade: Mastering the Correct Spelling
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on March 13, 2024
"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
Associate "degrade" with related words like “degradation” to reinforce the correct spelling.
Regularly repeating "degrade" can help embed the correct spelling in memory.
Remember "grade" is the root, focusing on quality, level, or rank.
Regularly writing the word correctly reinforces memory.
Visualizing the correct spelling can aid in remembering it.
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Correct usage of Degrade
His comments were meant to degradate her efforts.
His comments were meant to degrade her efforts.
Sunlight can degradate the color of your furniture.
Sunlight can degrade the color of your furniture.
The landfill waste will take centuries to degradate.
The landfill waste will take centuries to degrade.
The chemicals in the river will degradate the water quality.
The chemicals in the river will degrade the water quality.
The quality of the product has started to degradate over time.
The quality of the product has started to degrade over time.
Degrade Definitions
To reduce in quality or value; demean.
Pollution can degrade air quality.
To lower in rank, dignity, or significance.
They should not degrade themselves with such behavior.
To impair in respect to some physical property.
Extended use can degrade the machine's performance.
To lower the moral character of someone.
Constant criticism will degrade anyone's confidence.
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.
To lower in dignity; dishonor or disgrace
Seemed to feel that he was degrading himself in accepting the invitation.
To reduce in grade, rank, or status; demote.
(Geology) To lower or wear away by erosion or weathering.
To cause (an organic compound) to undergo degradation.
To fall to a lower rank or status.
To undergo degradation; decompose
A chemical that degrades rapidly.
(transitive) To lower in value or social position.
Fred degrades himself by his behaviour.
To reduce in quality or purity.
The DNA sample has degraded.
To reduce in altitude or magnitude, as hills and mountains; to wear down.
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.
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.
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.
Reduce the level of land, as by erosion
Reduce in worth or character, usually verbally;
She tends to put down younger women colleagues
His critics took him down after the lecture
Lower the grade of something; reduce its worth
To break down into components or simpler compounds.
Sunlight degrades certain chemicals in the soil.
Degrade Sentences
Plastics degrade slowly, causing long-term environmental damage.
Insults and mockery are used to degrade others in arguments.
Continuous exposure to the sun will degrade the fabric's color.
Environmental pollutants degrade air quality significantly.
Overcooking vegetables can degrade their nutritional value.
Stress can degrade your mental health if not managed properly.
Acid rain can degrade limestone and marble buildings over time.
UV light can degrade the colors in paintings and photographs.
Misuse of technology can degrade our quality of life.
Alcohol can degrade one's ability to make sound decisions.
Polluted water sources degrade the ecosystem's health.
High temperatures can degrade the performance of electronic devices.
Harsh weather conditions can degrade outdoor structures quickly.
Without maintenance, the infrastructure will degrade rapidly.
FAQs
What is the root word of Degrade?
The root word is "gradus," Latin for step or grade.
What is the pronunciation of Degrade?
/dɪˈɡreɪd/
What is the verb form of Degrade?
Degrade
Which vowel is used before Degrade?
Any vowel can precede “degrade,” depending on the preceding word in the sentence.
What is the singular form of Degrade?
Degrade
Which preposition is used with Degrade?
“To” is often used as in “degrade to a lower state.”
Is Degrade an abstract noun?
No, "degrade" is not an abstract noun; however, "degradation," a related noun, can be considered abstract.
Is Degrade an adverb?
No, "degrade" is not an adverb.
Which conjunction is used with Degrade?
Any conjunction can be used with "degrade," depending on the context.
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.
What is the plural form of Degrade?
Degrades
Is Degrade a vowel or consonant?
"Degrade" is a word containing both vowels and consonants.
Is the Degrade term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically to describe lowering in quality or character.
How do we divide Degrade into syllables?
De-grade
What is the opposite of Degrade?
The opposite of "degrade" is "elevate" or "enhance."
What is the first form of Degrade?
Degrade
What is the second form of Degrade?
Degraded
What is the third form of Degrade?
Degraded
How many syllables are in Degrade?
Degrade has two syllables.
Which determiner is used with Degrade?
"This," "that," "these," "those" can be used as determiners with "degrade."
What part of speech is Degrade?
Degrade is a verb.
Is Degrade a countable noun?
Degrade is not a noun, so it is not countable.
Is the word Degrade imperative?
It can be used in the imperative mood, as in commands or requests.
What is another term for Degrade?
Another term for "degrade" could be "demote" or "debase."
How is Degrade used in a sentence?
"Exposure to the elements will degrade the exterior paint over time."
Which article is used with Degrade?
"A" or "the" can be used, depending on the sentence context.
Is Degrade a noun or adjective?
Degrade is a verb.
Is Degrade a negative or positive word?
Degrade generally has a negative connotation as it involves lowering in quality, rank, or character.
Is Degrade a collective noun?
No, "degrade" is not a collective noun.
What is a stressed syllable in Degrade?
The second syllable, "grade," is stressed in "degrade."
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
