The word "cheapen" is spelled with the letters C-H-E-A-P-E-N. It is pronounced as / ˈtʃiːpən /, with the stressed syllable being "cheep". The word means to lower the value or quality of something, or to make it appear less valuable. The spelling of "cheapen" is derived from the word "cheap", which means to be low in price or of poor quality. It is important to use correct spelling in English language to ensure clear communication and avoid confusion.
Cheapen is a verb which refers to the act of making something of lesser quality or value, often by reducing its price or undermining its worth. It is the process by which an item, concept, or reputation is devalued or degraded, typically resulting in it being perceived as inferior or lacking in worth. Cheapening can occur through various means, such as price reductions, compromising quality standards, or engaging in activities that tarnish a person's or entity's reputation.
When something is cheapened, it generally becomes less desirable, prestigious, or respected. For instance, when a product is sold at significantly lower prices than its competitors, it may cheapen its image and imply its inferiority in terms of quality or craftsmanship. Similarly, if a person engages in unethical behavior, it can cheapen their reputation, diminishing trust and credibility.
Furthermore, cheapening can extend beyond material objects to encompass abstract concepts like values, morals, or principles. For example, if an individual consistently violates their own principles for personal gain, it may cheapen their integrity and character.
In summary, to cheapen means to diminish the value or worth of something, be it a physical item, reputation, or concept. It involves reducing quality, lowering prices below market standards, or engaging in actions that result in a loss of respect or desirability.
To lessen in value.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "cheapen" is derived from the Old English word "ceapian", which means "to bargain" or "to buy at a price". This word is related to the Old English noun "ceap", which means "a purchase" or "a price". Over time, "ceapian" evolved into the Middle English word "cheepen" or "chepen", which retained a similar meaning. Eventually, the pronunciation and spelling shifted, resulting in the modern form "cheapen". The term refers to the act of lowering the value or quality of something, particularly concerning its price.