rebajar

Word: rebajar

Meaning:

The Spanish verb rebajar primarily means to reduce, to lower, or to discount. It refers to the action of making something smaller, less expensive, or less intense.

---

Explanation:

• Root: The verb comes from the adjective or noun "bajo" (meaning "low"). The prefix “re-” in this context implies a downward action or repetition.
• It is a regular -ar verb.

---

Uses:

1. To lower or reduce in price:

   • Example: La tienda decidió rebajar el precio de los zapatos. (The store decided to lower the price of the shoes.)
   • Synonyms: disminuir, reducir, bajar, descontar
   • Antonyms: aumentar, subir, incrementar

2. To degrade or demean (less common but still valid):

   • Example: No deberías rebajar a tus amigos con comentarios crueles. (You shouldn’t demean your friends with cruel comments.)
   • Synonyms: menospreciar, menosvalorar
   • Antonyms: valorar, enaltecer

3. To thin down or dilute:

   • Example: Rebajó la pintura con agua para que fuera más fácil aplicarla. (He/she diluted the paint with water to make it easier to apply.)

---

Summary:

• rebajar means:
  • To reduce (prices, amounts).
  • To lower (volume, quality, value).
  • To discount (in sales contexts).
  • To demean or lessen someone's value or dignity (less frequent use).

By understanding the context, you can find the right nuance of the verb when using or encountering it.