Conclusion
Abase oneself is a phrase that is commonly used in English language. It is a term that is often associated with feelings of shame, guilt, or humiliation. In this article, we will explore the meaning of abase oneself, its origin, and its usage in different contexts.
Definitions
To abase oneself is to lower oneself in rank, dignity, or self-esteem. It is an act of humbling oneself, often as a result of feeling ashamed or guilty about something. A person who abases themselves may feel unworthy or inferior, and may seek to make amends for their actions.
Origin
The term abase comes from the Old French word abaisser, which means to lower or humble. It is derived from the Latin word bassus, which means low or short. The word abase has been in use in English since the 14th century, and the phrase abase oneself has been in use since the 16th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of abase oneself is consistent across different dictionaries. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, to abase oneself is to lower oneself in rank, office, or esteem. The Oxford English Dictionary defines abase oneself as to humiliate or degrade oneself.
Associations
Abase oneself is often associated with feelings of shame, guilt, or remorse. It is an act of self-punishment, where a person seeks to atone for their actions. A person who abases themselves may feel unworthy or inferior, and may seek to make amends for their actions.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for abase oneself include humble oneself, degrade oneself, demean oneself, and lower oneself. These terms all describe a similar act of self-humiliation or self-punishment.
Antonyms
The antonyms of abase oneself include elevate oneself, exalt oneself, and promote oneself. These terms describe acts of self-promotion or self-aggrandizement, which are the opposite of abasing oneself.
The same root words
The root word of abase oneself is abase, which comes from the Latin word bassus. Other words derived from this root include bass, bassoon, and bassist.
Example Sentences
- After his mistake, he abased himself in front of his boss and apologized profusely.
- She felt so guilty about what she had done that she abased herself in front of her friends.
- The politician abased himself in front of the public, hoping to regain their trust and support.
In conclusion, abase oneself is a term that describes an act of self-humiliation or self-punishment. It is often associated with feelings of shame, guilt, or remorse. The phrase has been in use since the 16th century and is derived from the Old French word abaisser. Despite its negative connotations, abasing oneself can be a powerful act of self-reflection and growth.