devalue him

USAGE SUMMARY

"devalue him" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as an intransitive verb to mean "to reduce the value of something or someone". For example: "The boss was concerned that the employee's tardiness would devalue him in the eyes of his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Andrew Savage, the local counsel for Marri in Charleston, says, "It was a psychological effort to devalue him.

The New Yorker

What Mr. Obama found appealing, the notion of a man of ideas willing to make tough choices, is what he now will need to devalue him.

The New York Times

"They devalue him because the Peruvian league is not competitive, and Peruvian clubs don't win Copa Libertadores, but let me say this: Guerrero is at the top".

The Guardian - Sport

Moreover, he was devoid of any concern that his beliefs and behaviour would devalue him as a person, de facto rendering him despicable in any community.

Consciousness and Cognition

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Lars Sullivan has such a unique, monstrous look it almost devalues him when the announcers point out that this monster heel is only 6'3.

Forbes

He believes it's devalued him as an NBA player.

Los Angeles Times

Even if she leaves him eventually, she will heal better if people around her aren't devaluing him or feeding her anger.

HuffPost

It is to profoundly devalue them.

The New York Times

A patient might idealize or devalue his therapist; he might conflate him with a parent or spouse or the boss who fired him five years ago.

The New York Times - Magazine

The Federal Bureau of Investigation said the tainted drugs were part of an elaborate scheme in which Mr. Marks attempted to create a public scare that would devalue the corporation's stock and yield him substantial profits.

The New York Times

He stated "it would devalue the entire plot if we brought him back".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devalue him", consider the specific context and ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of diminishing someone's worth or importance. Avoid using it in situations where a more nuanced term like "underestimate" or "belittle" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Be cautious not to use "devalue him" when you actually mean to criticize his actions or opinions directly. "Devalue him" speaks to a reduction in overall worth or perception, not necessarily a disagreement with his views.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devalue him" functions as a transitive verb phrase where "devalue" is the verb and "him" is the direct object. It describes an action performed on someone, reducing their perceived worth or importance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devalue him" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express the act of diminishing someone's worth or importance. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in English. Its frequency is rare, primarily found in news and media contexts. While seemingly straightforward, be mindful of the specific context to ensure accurate conveyance and avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives such as "undervalue him" or "belittle him" may offer more nuanced meanings depending on the intended message. Considering these aspects ensures effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Undervalue him

Highlights the failure to recognize his true worth.

Diminish him

Stresses a reduction in his importance or influence.

Demean him

Emphasizes a lowering of his dignity or status.

Denigrate him

Suggests a deliberate attempt to defame or discredit him.

Belittle him

Focuses on making him seem unimportant or trivial.

Undermine him

Implies weakening him gradually or secretly.

Underestimate him

Focuses on judging him as less capable than he actually is.

Reduce him

Highlights a simplification or diminishing of his character or contributions.

Trash him

Suggests a severe and often public disparagement.

Emasculate him

Implies stripping him of power or effectiveness, often in a professional or social sense.

FAQs

What does it mean to "devalue him"?

To "devalue him" means to reduce his perceived worth, importance, or significance. This can be done through actions, words, or systemic biases that diminish his standing in a particular context.

What are some synonyms for "devalue him"?

Alternatives to "devalue him" include "underestimate him", "belittle him", "denigrate him", or "undermine him". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can someone "devalue him"?

Someone can "devalue him" by ignoring his contributions, criticizing him unfairly, spreading rumors about him, or creating systemic barriers that prevent him from succeeding. The specifics depend heavily on the context.

Is "devalue him" the same as "disrespect him"?

While there is some overlap, "devalue him" is not exactly the same as "disrespect him". Disrespect is a more direct affront. "Devalue him" can happen more subtly, through systemic or unconscious biases that gradually erode his perceived worth. It could lead to disrespect, but is not inherently disrespectful.