Cheapen vs Degrade: When To Use Each One In Writing

Have you ever used the words cheapen and degrade interchangeably? While these words may seem similar, they have distinct meanings that should not be confused. In this article, we will explore the differences between cheapen and degrade, and when to use each word correctly.

It is important to note that both cheapen and degrade can be used to describe a decrease in value or quality. However, cheapen specifically refers to a reduction in cost or price, while degrade refers to a decline in quality or status.

For example, if a store lowers the price of a product, they are cheapening it. On the other hand, if a product’s quality deteriorates over time, it is degrading.

It is crucial to use the correct word in the appropriate context to avoid miscommunication. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the definitions of cheapen and degrade and provide examples of their usage.

Define Cheapen

Cheapen refers to the act of reducing the value or quality of something by making it less expensive or by lowering its standards. It is often used in the context of products or services that are priced lower than their usual market value, resulting in a decrease in perceived value or quality. This can be achieved through various means such as using cheaper materials, reducing production costs, or offering discounts or promotions.

Define Degrade

Degrade, on the other hand, refers to the act of reducing the quality or status of something or someone. It can be used in various contexts, such as social, environmental, or personal. For instance, environmental degradation refers to the deterioration of the natural environment, while social degradation refers to the decline in social values or standards. In personal contexts, degradation can refer to the loss of reputation or dignity, or the lowering of one’s self-esteem.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between cheapen and degrade:

	Cheapen	Degrade
Definition	To reduce the value or quality of something by making it less expensive or by lowering its standards.	To reduce the quality or status of something or someone.
Context	Primarily used in the context of products or services.	Can be used in various contexts such as social, environmental, or personal.
Result	Results in a decrease in perceived value or quality.	Results in a loss of quality or status.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

In order to effectively communicate in writing, it is important to understand the nuances of language and use words correctly. Two words that are often confused and misused are “cheapen” and “degrade.”

How To Use “Cheapen” In A Sentence

The word “cheapen” means to lower the value or quality of something. It is often used in the context of commerce to describe a situation where a product or service is made to appear less valuable than it actually is. Here are some examples of how to use “cheapen” in a sentence:

• The company’s decision to use low-quality materials in their products will only cheapen their brand in the eyes of consumers.
• Adding unnecessary features to a product can actually cheapen its value, making it less desirable to customers.
• Using exaggerated claims in advertising can cheapen the message and make it seem less credible.

It is important to note that “cheapen” is not the same as “cheaper.” “Cheaper” refers to a lower price, while “cheapen” refers to a lower quality or value.

How To Use “Degrade” In A Sentence

The word “degrade” means to lower the status or quality of something or someone. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from describing the deterioration of a physical object to the demotion of an employee. Here are some examples of how to use “degrade” in a sentence:

• Leaving a valuable antique out in the rain will quickly degrade its condition.
• Using derogatory language to describe someone can be seen as an attempt to degrade them.
• When a company fails to invest in its employees, it can lead to a degradation of their skills and motivation.

It is important to note that “degrade” can also be used in a biological context to describe the breakdown of organic matter.

More Examples Of Cheapen & Degrade Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between cheapen and degrade, it is important to see how these words are used in context. Here are some examples of how to use cheapen and degrade in a sentence:

Examples Of Using Cheapen In A Sentence

• He cheapened the value of his artwork by selling it at a discount store.
• The company’s decision to use low-quality materials cheapened the overall product.
• Using a celebrity spokesperson can sometimes cheapen a brand’s image.
• She felt that the reality TV show cheapened the art of dance.
• The overuse of special effects cheapened the impact of the film’s storyline.
• The politician’s flip-flopping on important issues cheapened his credibility with voters.
• The company’s constant sales and discounts cheapened the perceived value of their products.
• Some people believe that social media has cheapened the art of communication.
• The use of cheap labor in manufacturing has cheapened the value of human life in some countries.
• He felt that the use of autotune cheapened the art of singing.

Examples Of Using Degrade In A Sentence

• The chemicals in the water supply have degraded the quality of life in the community.
• The constant exposure to violent images can degrade a person’s mental health.
• Some people believe that pornography degrades women.
• The harsh criticism from her boss degraded her self-esteem.
• The lack of maintenance has degraded the condition of the building.
• The company’s unethical practices have degraded their reputation in the industry.
• Excessive alcohol consumption can degrade a person’s physical health over time.
• The use of racial slurs degrades the dignity of the person being targeted.
• The pollution from the factory has degraded the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
• The constant stress of his job has degraded his overall quality of life.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using language effectively, it’s important to choose the right words for the job. Two words that are often confused and used interchangeably are “cheapen” and “degrade”. While they may seem similar in meaning, there are important differences between the two that should be understood in order to communicate clearly and effectively.

Highlighting Common Mistakes

One common mistake people make is using “cheapen” when they actually mean “degrade”. For example, someone might say that a particular action or behavior “cheapens” a particular thing, when what they really mean is that it “degrades” it. The difference here is that “cheapen” refers to reducing the monetary value or quality of something, while “degrade” refers to reducing the overall worth or dignity of something.

Another common mistake is using “degrade” when they really mean “cheapen”. For example, someone might say that a particular product “degrades” the brand, when what they really mean is that it “cheapens” it. The difference here is that “degrade” refers to reducing the worth or dignity of something, while “cheapen” refers to reducing the monetary value or quality of something.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

• Be clear on the meaning of each word before using them in your writing or speech.
• Think carefully about the context in which you are using the words, and whether they are the best choice for conveying your intended meaning.
• Consider using a thesaurus to find alternative words that may be more precise or appropriate for your intended meaning.

By taking care to use the right words in the right way, you can avoid common mistakes like confusing “cheapen” and “degrade”, and communicate more effectively in all your written and spoken communications.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “cheapen” and “degrade,” context is key. Both words imply a decrease in value or quality, but they are not always interchangeable. Understanding the nuances of each word and the context in which they are used can help you choose the right word for your writing.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “cheapen” and “degrade” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Correct Word Choice
Material Goods	The low-quality materials used in this product will __________ its value.	cheapen
Environmental Impact	Continued pollution will __________ the quality of our air and water.	degrade
Personal Relationships	Using hurtful language can __________ the trust between two people.	degrade
Artistic Expression	The overuse of cliches can __________ the quality of a writer’s work.	cheapen

In the context of material goods, “cheapen” is the appropriate word choice because it implies a decrease in value or quality due to the use of low-quality materials. However, in the context of environmental impact, “degrade” is the better choice because it implies a decrease in the quality of something due to external factors that are harmful or damaging.

In personal relationships, “degrade” is the correct word choice because it implies a decrease in the quality of the relationship due to negative actions or behaviors. In the context of artistic expression, “cheapen” is the appropriate word choice because it implies a decrease in the quality of the work due to overuse or lack of originality.

By understanding the context in which these words are used, you can choose the right word to convey your intended meaning and create more effective writing.

Exceptions To The Rules

Although the rules for using cheapen and degrade are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. In certain cases, the words can be used interchangeably or have slightly different meanings based on context.

Exception 1: Cheapen As A Synonym For Reduce

In some instances, cheapen can be used as a synonym for reduce, particularly when it comes to price or value. For example:

• The store’s decision to cheapen the price of their products resulted in a surge of sales.
• The artist’s decision to cheapen the quality of his work by rushing through it was evident in the final product.

In these cases, cheapen is used to indicate a decrease in value or quality, rather than a moral degradation.

Exception 2: Degrade As A Synonym For Humiliate

While degrade is typically used to describe a moral decline, it can also be used as a synonym for humiliate or belittle. For example:

• The boss’s decision to publicly degrade his employee was met with backlash from the rest of the team.
• The comedian’s jokes were seen as degrading to certain groups of people.

In these cases, degrade is used to indicate a loss of dignity or respect, rather than a moral decline.

Exception 3: Cheapen In The Context Of Art

When it comes to art, cheapen can have a slightly different meaning. In this context, it is often used to describe an artist’s use of cheap or low-quality materials in their work. For example:

• The artist’s decision to cheapen his materials resulted in a piece that lacked the depth and complexity of his previous works.
• The filmmaker’s use of cheap special effects cheapened the overall quality of the movie.

In this context, cheapen is used to indicate a decrease in artistic value or quality, rather than a moral degradation.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of cheapen and degrade can be challenging, but with practice, it can become second nature. Here are a few exercises to help you improve:

Exercise 1: Choose The Correct Word

Read each sentence and choose the correct word: cheapen or degrade.

Sentence	Correct Word
The company’s decision to use cheap materials will __________ the quality of their products.	cheapen
The graffiti on the building will __________ the appearance of the neighborhood.	degrade
His behavior at the party __________ his reputation.	degraded
She refused to __________ herself by lying to her boss.	cheapen

Answer Key:

Sentence	Correct Word
The company’s decision to use cheap materials will __________ the quality of their products.	cheapen
The graffiti on the building will __________ the appearance of the neighborhood.	degrade
His behavior at the party __________ his reputation.	degraded
She refused to __________ herself by lying to her boss.	cheapen

Exercise 2: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with the correct word: cheapen or degrade.

1. The use of profanity can __________ the quality of your writing.
2. His actions will __________ his reputation in the community.
3. The company’s decision to use __________ materials will harm their reputation.

Answer Key:

1. The use of profanity can __________ the quality of your writing. degrade
2. His actions will __________ his reputation in the community. degrade
3. The company’s decision to use __________ materials will harm their reputation. cheapen

By practicing with these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of cheapen and degrade in sentences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to understand the distinction between the words “cheapen” and “degrade” when it comes to grammar and language use. While both words refer to a decrease in value or quality, “cheapen” specifically relates to a decrease in monetary value, while “degrade” refers to a decrease in overall quality or status.

It is crucial to use the correct word in the appropriate context to avoid confusion and miscommunication. Additionally, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use to improve our communication skills and convey our intended messages effectively.

Key Takeaways

• “Cheapen” refers to a decrease in monetary value, while “degrade” refers to a decrease in overall quality or status.
• Using the correct word in the appropriate context is crucial to avoid confusion and miscommunication.
• Continuing to learn about grammar and language use can help improve our communication skills.

By keeping these key takeaways in mind, we can enhance our understanding and usage of the English language, and effectively convey our ideas and thoughts to others.