Crossword answer · 6 letters
DEMEAN definition and meaning
dih-MEEN · verb
DEMEAN
What does DEMEAN mean?
To demean is to lower someone's dignity or standing, or make them feel less worthy.
What does DEMEAN mean in a crossword?
DEMEAN answers the reviewed clue “Discredit.” A bare verb clue asks for another base-form verb of similar meaning.
Why is DEMEAN useful to learn?
“Demean a colleague” concerns disrespect, not simply disagreeing with their argument. The verb asks what an action does to dignity or status.
Common clue patterns
- Lower someone's dignity
- Treat as beneath consideration
- Belittle
These are editorially written pattern summaries, not a reproduced puzzle archive.
Other meanings to watch
The older reflexive use “demean oneself” can mean behave in a particular manner. It is distinct from MEAN as an adjective for unkind.