decadence
OTHER WORDS FOR decadence
Origin of decadence
OTHER WORDS FROM decadence
non·dec·a·dence, nounnon·dec·a·den·cy, nouno·ver·dec·a·dence, nounWords nearby decadence
MORE ABOUT DECADENCE
What does decadence mean?
Decadence is a state of deterioration or decay, especially due to being excessively morally corrupt or self-indulgent.
The adjective form of decadence is decadent, which is used to describe things in such a state, especially societies or behavior.
Decadent is also popularly used in a somewhat figurative way to describe things that are extremely indulgent, especially rich foods, as in That triple chocolate cake is so decadent that I think I can only finish half a piece. The word decadence can refer to the extreme richness or luxury of such things.
When capitalized, the word Decadence has a much more specific meaning. It refers to a movement of French and English writers in the second half of the 1800s whose works were known for their refined and subtle style and sometimes abnormal content. Such writers are called Decadents and include French poet Arthur Rimbaud and Irish writer Oscar Wilde.
Example: Historians have traditionally depicted the late Roman Empire as having been brought down in part by its decadence, but others have debated whether supposed corruption of morals actually contributed to its fall.a
Where does decadence come from?
The first records of the word decadence come from the mid-1500s. It ultimately comes from the Latin verb dēcadere, meaning “to fall away.” The adjective decadent is actually a back formation from the noun decadence, meaning that decadence came first and was then made into the adjective decadent.
Referring to the decadence of a society or a behavior is a way of criticizing it for having fallen away and deteriorated into a state thought to be inferior. The word especially implies the belief that people’s morals have decayed on a large scale and they are indulging in behaviors that were previously considered unacceptable.
When someone refers to the decadence of a chocolate cake, they’re using the word in a figurative way that implies that it’s so rich and indulgent that it’s almost immoral—such desserts are often similarly described as sinful.
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What are some other forms related to decadence?
- decadency (noun)
- decadent (adjective)
What are some synonyms for decadence?
What are some words that share a root or word element with decadence?
What are some words that often get used in discussing decadence?
How is decadence used in real life?
Decadence is perhaps most popularly used in reference to rich desserts, especially chocolate ones. When it’s used in reference to a society, it’s intended as a negative judgment.
Chocolate decadence 🖤🖤🖤 Hope she'll like it, can't wait for a slice😋 pic.twitter.com/rHKD98k7ry
— uKudla okuqinile kungokwabantu abavuthiwe. (@ronsta101) August 24, 2020
My mother had strong moral views on the decadence of branded desserts. We were not allowed viennetta in our house. I’d been trying to forget. Now you bring it all out again.
— Samira Ahmed (@SamiraAhmedUK) August 19, 2018
People complain about the worsening of society's decadence. Why rant about this degradation when we all have had a hand in it? Perhaps, you don't believe that you're part of the problem which is, in itself, a serious problem. 🙄
— Piece of Mind (@iAmRPeras) August 20, 2020
Try using decadence!
Which of the following words is NOT a synonym of decadence?
A. decency
B. degeneration
C. deterioration
D. decline