bemean

[ bih-meen ]

verb (used with object)

, Archaic.

, be·meaned, be·mean·ing.

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

bemean

/ bɪˈmiːn /

verb

1. a less common word for demean 1

Word History and Origins

Origin of bemean¹

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

Example Sentences

"Nor I. I would not bemean myself so far."

From Project Gutenberg

Gets you to be his bride, fair maid, And him I'll no bemean;30 But when I take my words again, Whom call ye Hazelgreen?

From Project Gutenberg

Everything is so foul already that surely it is not worth while to bemean ourselves any further by attempting to gloss over the filth!”

From Project Gutenberg

Surely we need no further bemean and befoul ourselves!

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• cheapen
• corrupt
• debase
• degenerate
• demean
• deteriorate
• diminish
• discredit
• disgrace
• downgrade
• impair
• lessen
• reduce
• vitiate
• weaken