Words / C1

dee-VAL-yoo/ˌdiːˈvæljuː/

To devalue is to reduce a currency’s official value, or to make a person or thing seem less worthy: devalue a currency, devalue a contribution. Cheapen is everyday and ruder; revalue sits opposite; undervalue means judging it too low without an official cut. Averaging the night cohort away is a methods cut, not a courtesy.

Meaning

To reduce the official value of a currency, or to make something seem less worthy.

Examples

• “Do not devalue the night cohort by averaging it out of the n.”
• “Cheapen is everyday. Undervalue is a judgement. A currency devaluation is a finance announcement. A mean that hides a shift is a trick. Report the slice; then the mean if it still helps.”

Good to know

Reduce in value or worth. Everyday: cheapen. Finance: cut a currency’s rate. Averaging away a night slice is a cut.

Near in meaning

cheapen

New