effete
Americanadjective
-
lacking in wholesome vigor; degenerate; decadent.
an effete, overrefined society.
-
exhausted of vigor or energy; worn out.
an effete political force.
- Synonyms:
- enervated
-
unable to produce; sterile.
adjective
-
weak, ineffectual, or decadent as a result of overrefinement
an effete academic
-
exhausted of vitality or strength; worn out; spent
-
(of animals or plants) no longer capable of reproduction
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of effete
First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin effēta “exhausted from bearing,” equivalent to ef- “from, out of” ( see ef-) + fēta “having brought forth,” feminine past participle of lost verb; see fetus
Explanation
Effete is a disapproving term meaning decadent and self-indulgent, even useless. The stereotype of the rugged Westerner is just as false as the one of the effete East Coast liberal. The origin of the word effete is a little unexpected. Coming from the Latin effetus "out of, past childbearing," effete meant "exhausted, spent" long before it acquired the sense of morally exhausted and overly refined. This is the main use of the word today. Do you ever wonder why some effete party girls are considered celebrities? Star athletes run the risk of losing their edge and becoming effete posterboys for their sports.
Vocabulary lists containing effete
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Effete salmon who wanted to be scooped up by the lift were disappointed.
From Time Magazine Archive
The song is scheduled to be recorded on the Impudent Parasite label by Morris, who will be accompanied by a group called the Effete Snobs.
From Time Magazine Archive
"Effete, Cally,--that's what this age is," said Mr. Heth, pushing back his chair, and producing his gold toothpick.
From V. V.'s Eyes by Harrison, Henry Sydnor
Effete, ef-fēt′, adj. exhausted: worn out with age.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various
"Effete or powerful, my country is still able to present an ultimatum when diplomacy requires it," I said.
From The Czar's Spy The Mystery of a Silent Love by Le Queux, William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
