devaluate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'devaluate' is a correct and usable word in written English.
'Devaluate' means to decrease the value or worth of something. It is commonly used in financial context, such as when talking about the devaluation of currency or assets. Example: The economic crisis caused the local currency to devaluate, resulting in an increase in prices for imported goods.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Bloated public payrolls, stupid subsidies for uncompetitive industries, underinvestment in science, technology and education, corruption, tax exemption for the professional classes etc – you can't afford that kind of laissez-faire unless you periodically devaluate your currency.

The Guardian - Opinion

The rebuilding and colonization required to resettle the refugees, however, were such a drain on the country's economic resources that inflation could not be avoided; as a result Finland had to devaluate its currency on a number of occasions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The disadvantage of turnout quorums is that, in turn, it invites even more abstentions and campaigns to abstain even from voting "no," while approval quorums at least devaluate majority votes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For many the real disappointment has not been that he wants to devaluate the pound, but that he has not followed up the deed with some plan.

The New Yorker

5] decided to devaluate the lira by approximately 41 per cent and endorsed Il Duce's proposal to align the Italian currency with the dollar, pound and franc monetary bloc.

The New York Times

"I think it would just devaluate the title of national hero, would make it a very cynical label for political convenience," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

1936 Chamber Votes on Devaluation Bill Promulgation of the law devaluating the franc is expected before the opening of the world's stock and money markets tomorrow [Oct. 1] morning.

The New York Times

A senior Chinese financial regulator yesterday sought to reassure Davos delegates and global markets that the Beijing authorities are not seeking to pep up their slowing economy by devaluating the Renminbi (RMB).

Independent

Of all the Paris papers only the Herald Tribune announced in so many clear words -that the franc had been devaluated by 20%, from its official 350 to the dollar to an official 420, which is still somewhat less than recent American tourists here got from their N.Y.

The New Yorker

The franc has just been devaluated by 17.55 per cent or something more than a sixth.

The New Yorker

1936 F.D.R. to Protect Dollar Value In an eagerly-awaited pronouncement regarding the Administration's plans on currency problems, and his first statement on money since France devaluated the franc, President Franklin D. Roosevelt today [Oct.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devaluate" when you specifically mean to reduce the value of something, especially in economic or abstract contexts. Ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "devaluate" with "devalue". While similar, "devaluate" is less common. Opt for "devalue" unless you have a specific reason to use the less frequent form.

Linguistic Context

The word "devaluate" primarily functions as a transitive verb. It indicates the action of reducing the value or worth of something. Ludwig provides examples where "devaluate" is used in contexts ranging from currency to abstract concepts like a title or achievement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devaluate" is a verb that means to reduce the value or worth of something. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct word, though less frequently used than "devalue". It appears in various contexts, including economics, politics, and abstract discussions. The analysis indicates its usage is grammatically sound and generally neutral. When using "devaluate", it's important to be mindful of its less common usage and consider whether "devalue" might be a more appropriate choice for clarity. Notable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its application in credible contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reduce the value of

Uses simpler vocabulary focusing on direct reduction.

Diminish in worth

Emphasizes the loss of value or desirability.

Lower the price of

Focuses specifically on monetary value or cost.

Depreciate the asset

Applies to asset devaluation.

Undermine the significance of

Shifts the focus to non-monetary importance or impact.

Cheapen the reputation

Implies reducing value through negative actions or associations.

Impair the quality

Focuses on reducing the inherent excellence or standard.

Downgrade the rating

Specifically refers to lowering an assigned evaluation.

Decrease the merit

Emphasizes the reduction of positive qualities or deservingness.

Weaken the impact

Refers to reducing the force or effect of something.

FAQs

How is "devaluate" typically used in economics?

In economics, "devaluate" often refers to the deliberate reduction in the exchange rate of a currency, as seen in examples discussing currency devaluation by countries like Italy or Argentina.

What are some synonyms for "devaluate" that I can use to vary my writing?

Alternatives to "devaluate" include "reduce the value of", "diminish in worth", or "lower the price of", depending on the context.

Is there a difference in meaning between "devaluate" and "devalue"?

While "devaluate" and "devalue" both mean to reduce the value of something, "devaluate" is less frequently used. Choosing "devalue" may be more appropriate for contemporary writing due to its common usage.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the word "devaluate"?

"Devaluate" is appropriate in contexts where you want to emphasize the act of diminishing the worth or importance of something, whether it's currency, a title, or an idea.