bemean

American

[bih-meen] / bɪˈmin /

verb (used with object)

Archaic.

bemeaned, bemeaning

to make mean; demean; debase (usually used reflexively).

bemean British

/ bɪˈmiːn /

verb

a less common word for demean 1

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of bemean

First recorded in 1645–55; be- + mean ²

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

We belittle ourselves in the sight of God and men, bemean ourselves in the presence of the moral law, and stay more or less our progress in the great educational work of life.

From Aims and Aids for Girls and Young Women On the Various Duties of Life, Physical, Intellectual, And Moral Development; Self-Culture, Improvement, Dress, Beauty, Fashion, Employment, Education, The Home Relations, Their Duties To Young Men, Marriage, Womanhood And Happiness. by Weaver, George Sumner

He would bemean himself sufficiently to overlook Frau's caddishness.

From Villa Elsa A Story of German Family Life by Henry, Stuart Oliver

“Which you’d best fetch this gentleman a light, Master Antony,” said cook; “for I ain’t going to bemean myself.”

From The Story of Antony Grace by Fenn, George Manville

“When I’ve done my dooty by her, as other people, whom I won’t bemean myself to name, oughter have done, Mister Jarker, I shall go, and not before,” said Mrs Sims.

From Mad A Story of Dust and Ashes by Fenn, George Manville

He was fighting for his life, and no eye could bemean that effort.

From The Strength of the Pines by Marshall, Edison

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023