abased
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /əˈbeɪst/
KK: /əˈbeɪst/
adjective
Definition
Feeling or showing a sense of being lower in status or dignity; feeling humiliated or degraded.
Example
After the criticism, he felt abased and unworthy.
Conversation
I felt so abased after that presentation yesterday.
I know how you feel; sometimes it’s hard to speak in front of people.
Yeah, I just wish I could be more confident and not feel so abased all the time.
You'll get there! Just keep practicing, and it will get easier.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
humbled
degraded
diminished
Antonyms
elevated
proud
exalted
verb
Definition
To lower someone in rank, office, or esteem; to humiliate or degrade.
Example
He felt abased after being criticized in front of his peers.
Tense Forms
Past: abased
Past Participle: abased
Conversation
I can't believe how he abased her in front of everyone yesterday.
That was really rude of him!
Yeah, it made me uncomfortable just watching it.
Root Explanation
Abased → It is formed from "a-" (meaning from or away) and "base" (from Old French *base*, meaning low or foundation). The word "abased" means brought down from a higher position or lowered in status.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'brought down' ('a-' means away and 'base' refers to a low position) — that's why abased means to be lowered in status.
Visually Confused Words
based
unabased
abatised
abaissed
abrase
unabrased
unabashed
base