devalue

American  

[dee-val-yoo] / diˈvæl yu /

verb (used with object)

devalued, devaluing

1. to deprive of value; reduce the value of.

2. to fix a lower value on (a currency).

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verb (used without object)

devalued, devaluing

1. to undergo devaluation.

   The currency has devalued at a rapid rate.

devalue British  

/ diːˈvæljuː, diːˈvæljuːˌeɪt /

verb

1. to reduce (a currency) or (of a currency) be reduced in exchange value

2. (tr) to reduce the value or worth of (something)

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Etymology

Origin of devalue

First recorded in 1915–20; de- + value

Explanation

When you make something less valuable or less important, you devalue it. You might devalue your car by spray painting it black and letting your dog chew the upholstery. Economists and business reporters often use the verb devalue when they talk about the currency — or money — of different countries, and what it's worth in comparison to other currencies. Sometimes countries will devalue their currency, for example, to get more people to buy their exported products. But you can also devalue a relationship by neglecting it, or devalue a diamond ring by chipping it. Devaluation came before devalue, with a Latin root of valere, "be strong or be of value."

Related Words

• decrease
• devaluate
• lower
• revalue
• undervalue