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desmerecer

[dez-muh-ruh-SER]
verb
to be unworthy of; to not deserve; to diminish in merit
1. To lack merit or worthiness in relation to something; to be undeserving
He does not deserve such harsh treatment.
Ele não desmerece tal tratamento rigoroso.
2. To reduce or diminish the value, reputation, or merit of something
The scandal tarnished his reputation.
O escândalo desmereceu sua reputação.
3. To behave in a way that is beneath one's dignity or station
She would never demean herself by accepting such an offer.
Ela nunca se desmereceria aceitando tal proposta.
Synonyms
desmerecimentodemeritodesonraindignidade
Antonyms
merecerdignidadehonramérito

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
desmerecer
Common usage in standard Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
desmerecer
Standard usage
Portugal
desmerecer
More formal or literary usage in European Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

não desmerecer de alguém - not to be unworthy of someone
desmerecer a confiança - to betray someone's trust/confidence
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