Basic Details
Word: Cheapen
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make something less valuable or of lower quality.
Synonyms: Devalue, degrade, lower
Antonyms: Enhance, elevate, improve
Idioms and Phrases
- Don't cheapen the moment: Used to advise someone not to ruin or lessen the importance of a special occasion. Example: "Let's not cheapen the moment; we should celebrate our achievements properly."
- Cheap as chips: Describes something that is very inexpensive or low-cost. Example: "The tickets were cheap as chips, so we bought extra for our friends."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The company's decision to reduce the quality of its products will cheapen its brand reputation.
Example 2: Using poor materials can cheapen the appearance of even the prettiest design.
Example 3: He felt that the new advertisement would cheapen the value of the luxury item they were selling.
Fun Fact
The word "cheapen" is derived from the Old English word "ceap," which means "trade" or "purchase". Over time, it evolved to imply reducing value or worth in various contexts.
Famous Quote
"The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." - William Faulkner. This relates to "cheapen" in the sense that even small actions can impact value and importance.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "cheapen" mean?
a) To make something more expensive
b) To make something less valuable
c) To make something stronger
d) To make something more beautiful
Answer: b) To make something less valuable
2. Which of these is a synonym of "cheapen"?
a) Improve
b) Devalue
c) Enhance
d) Elevate
Answer: b) Devalue
3. Which sentence uses "cheapen" correctly?
a) They wanted to cheapen their vacation by booking a luxury hotel.
b) The use of fake materials will cheapen the product.
c) She cheapened the meal by adding expensive ingredients.
d) The artist plans to cheapen the value of her paintings.
Answer: b) The use of fake materials will cheapen the product.
4. Which idiom means to ruin the importance of a moment?
a) Don't cheapen the moment
b) Cheap as chips
c) Break the bank
d) Steal the show
Answer: a) Don't cheapen the moment
5. What is the opposite of "cheapen"?
a) Lower
b) Improve
c) Degrade
d) Price up
Answer: b) Improve
