different between detraction vs debasement

English

Etymology

From Old French detraccion, from Latin detractio.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /d??t?æk??n/

  Rhymes: -æk??n

Noun

detraction (countable and uncountable, plural detractions)

1. The act of detracting something, or something detracted; taking away; diminution.
2. A derogatory or malicious statement; a disparagement, misrepresentation or slander.
   • a. 1677, Isaac Barrow, Of Industry in General (sermon)

     If indeed we consider all the frivolous and petulant discourse, the impertinent chattings, the rash censures, the spiteful detractions which are so rife in the world […]

3. (Roman Catholic Church) The act of revealing previously unknown faults of another person to a third person.

Synonyms

• See also Thesaurus:slander

Anagrams

• tractioned

English

Etymology

debase +? -ment

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /d??be?sm?nt/
• Rhymes: -e?sm?nt

Noun

debasement (countable and uncountable, plural debasements)

1. The act of debasing or the state of being debased; a lowering or degradation, especially in character or quality.
   • 1832, Edgar Allan Poe, "Bon Bon":

     His large water-dog was acquainted with the fact, and upon the approach of his master, betrayed his sense of inferiority by a sanctity of deportment, a debasement of the ears, and a dropping of the lower jaw not altogether unworthy of a dog.

   • 2009, Gilbert Cruz, "The Many Faces of Addiction (Book review of America Anonymous: Eight Addicts in Search of a Life by Benoit Denizet-Lewis)," Time, 12 Jan.:

     There's something ugly and fascinating about reading such intimate tales of debasement and depression and failure and self-doubt.

2. The lowering of the value of a currency by reducing the amount of valuable metal in the coins.

Translations