cheapen
UK[ˈtʃiːpən]US[ˈtʃiːpən]
v
To make something seem less valuable or respected
v
To become lower in price
Morpheme Breakdown
cheap
en
cheap
low cost/quality
en
verb-forming suffix
Etymology
The word 'cheapen' is formed from the adjective 'cheap' combined with the Germanic verbal suffix '-en'. The root 'cheap' originates from the Old English noun 'ceap', meaning "bargain, trade, or price," which itself derives from the Latin 'caupo', meaning "tradesman" or "innkeeper." The original sense was neutral, relating to commerce, but over time, 'cheap' evolved to signify low cost and, by association, inferior quality. The addition of the suffix '-en' transforms this adjective into a verb, creating the meaning "to make or become cheap," which encompasses both reducing monetary value and diminishing perceived worth or dignity.
Analysis
Structure: cheap (low cost/quality) + en (verb-forming suffix)
- cheap: From Old English 'ceap' (bargain, purchase, price), functioning as the core adjective/root.
- en: A verb-forming suffix of Germanic origin, used to form verbs from adjectives or nouns, meaning "to make or become".
Examples
Using a celebrity endorsement might actually cheapen the brand's image of exclusivity.
The influx of mass-produced goods helped to cheapen the cost of everyday items.
He felt that compromising his principles would cheapen his achievements.