cheapening
UK[ˈtʃiːpənɪŋ]US[ˈtʃiːpənɪŋ]
n
The process of making something lower in price or value.
n
The action of degrading or making something seem less worthy of respect.
Morpheme Breakdown
cheap
en
ing
cheap
low cost
en
verb suffix
ing
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'cheapening' is built upon the Old English noun 'ceap', which originally meant a market, trade, or price. This root evolved into the modern adjective 'cheap', signifying a low price or cost. The addition of the Germanic verbal suffix '-en' transforms it into the verb 'cheapen', meaning 'to make cheap'. Finally, the gerundial or noun-forming suffix '-ing' converts the action into a process or concept. Thus, the literal morphemic construction "to make cheap + the process of" elegantly captures the modern abstract meanings of reducing monetary price or diminishing perceived value and quality.
Analysis
Structure: cheap (low cost) + en (verb suffix) + ing (noun suffix)
- cheap: From Old English 'ceap' (bargain, purchase, market), of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'koop' and German 'Kauf'. In this word, it functions as the core adjective/root meaning 'low in cost or value'.
- en: A verb-forming suffix of Germanic origin, used to form verbs from adjectives or nouns, meaning 'to make or become'.
- ing: A suffix of Old English origin used to form nouns from verbs, indicating the action, process, or result of the verb.
Examples
The cheapening of consumer goods is often achieved through mass production.
His constant jokes were a cheapening of the serious political debate.
The brand worried that discounting would lead to a permanent cheapening of its image.