About
The character "贬", whose traditional form is "貶", derives from a structural combination of the radical "貝", representing value or wealth, and the component "乏", which suggests shortage or insufficiency, thereby etymologically implying a reduction in worth or status. Initially applied in contexts of official demotions or the devaluation of commodities, its meaning gradually broadened to encompass abstract criticisms and the act of belittling, reflecting a shift from tangible to intangible depreciations. This semantic expansion retained the core notion of diminishment anchored by the "貝" element, while the phonetic and conceptual contribution of "乏" continued to reinforce the idea of lack or decline across its usage history.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
不要贬低别人的努力。
他总是贬斥流行音乐。
这货币贬值得很厉害。
他被贬到一个偏远的分公司。
这种说法带有贬义。
评论家严厉贬损了这部新电影。
在逆境中，他从不自我贬抑。
由于他公开批评公司政策，不久就被贬职了。