Words / C2

REL-ig-ayt/ˈrelɪɡeɪt/

To relegate is to put a person or thing into a lower or less important place: relegate to a footnote, relegated to the second team. In UK sport, a club is relegated from a league. Downgrade (already in the dictionary) is the close twin of rank and estimates; demote is of a job. Do not relegate ethics to a skippable footnote.

Meaning

To put someone or something into a lower or less important position.

Examples

• “Do not relegate ethics to a footnote the examiner will skip.”
• “Downgrade is of status or a forecast (already in C1). Demote is of a post. Banish is harsher and literary. A methods clause belongs in the body. A slogan in twelve-point is not a hiding place. Put consent where it will be read; league tables can wait.”

Good to know

Demote; push into a lower place. Everyday: push down / demote. Close: downgrade (already in C1). UK sport: relegated from a division. Ethics is not a footnote.

Near in meaning

downgrade

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