Definition of demean

The word "demean" has its roots in Middle English, specifically from the Old French word "demener," which meant "to carry oneself" or "to behave." The Old French word, in turn, was derived from the Latin verb "de-minuere," which meant "to lessen" or "to diminish." In Middle English, "demean" was used to describe the way someone carried themselves or behaved in a particular situation. It could be interpreted as the way someone presented themselves or how they conducted themselves. Over time, the meaning of "demean" shifted to include the idea of how someone acted or behaved towards others. This meaning is still in use today, and "demean" is often used to describe how someone treats or interacts with others. In summary, the word "demean" originated in Middle English from the Old French word "demener," which was derived from the Latin verb "de-minuere." Its original meaning described how someone carried themselves or behaved, but its meaning evolved to include how someone treated or interacted with others.