devalue

/diˈvælju/

/diˈvælju/

Other forms: devalued; devaluing; devalues

When you make something less valuable or less important, you devalue it. You might devalue your car by spray painting it black and letting your dog chew the upholstery.

Economists and business reporters often use the verb devalue when they talk about the currency — or money — of different countries, and what it's worth in comparison to other currencies. Sometimes countries will devalue their currency, for example, to get more people to buy their exported products. But you can also devalue a relationship by neglecting it, or devalue a diamond ring by chipping it. Devaluation came before devalue, with a Latin root of valere, "be strong or be of value."

Definitions of devalue

1. verb

   lower the value or quality of
   “The tear devalues the painting”

   types:

   depreciate

   lower the value of something

   alloy, debase

   lower in value by increasing the base-metal content

   lour, lower

   set lower

   dilute

   reduce the value of shareholder stocks by increasing the total number of shares

   expense, write down, write off

   reduce the estimated value of something

   derate

   lower the rated electrical capability of electrical apparatus

   subdue, subordinate

   make subordinate, dependent, or subservient

   type of:

   alter, change, modify

   cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
2. verb

   remove the value from; deprive of its value
   synonyms: devaluate

   types:

   demonetise, demonetize

   deprive of value for payment

   type of:

   cheapen, degrade

   lower the grade of something; reduce its worth
3. verb

   lose in value
   synonyms: depreciate, devaluate, undervalue

   depreciate

   lower the value of something

   type of:

   decrease, diminish, fall, lessen

   decrease in size, extent, or range