Decayed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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decayed
[dɪˈkeɪd ]
Definitions
in a state of decay
Having undergone the process of decomposition or rotting; showing signs of deterioration or decline.
Synonyms
decaying, deteriorated, rotten, spoiled.
Examples of usage
- The old house had a strong odor of decay.
- The decayed leaves on the ground were turning into mulch.
- The decayed tooth needed to be extracted.
- The decayed wood was soft to the touch.
- The once vibrant city was now decayed and abandoned.
to decompose or deteriorate
Undergo decomposition or decline in quality, health, or structure.
Synonyms
crumble, decompose, deteriorate, rot.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| decayed |
Used to describe something that has undergone decay, often for organic matter or structures that have been neglected over time.
|
| deteriorate |
Describes the process whereby something progressively gets worse, often used for health, conditions, or material states.
|
| rot |
Refers to organic matter decaying with a negative connotation, often implying an unpleasant smell or sight.
|
| decompose |
Typically used for organic matter breaking down due to natural processes, often associated with scientific or environmental contexts.
|
| crumble |
Refers to something breaking into small pieces, often used for solid structures like buildings, cookies, or cliffs. It can be physical or metaphorical.
|
Examples of usage
- The fruit decayed quickly in the hot weather.
- If left untreated, the metal will decay over time.
- Neglect can cause relationships to decay.
- Without proper maintenance, buildings will decay.
- The once pristine beach is now decaying due to pollution.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Decay is an important concept in biology, where organic matter breaks down through processes involving bacteria and fungi.
- In chemistry, radioactive decay refers to the process by which unstable atomic nuclei lose energy by emitting radiation.
- The rate of decay in chemistry is often measured using half-life, indicating how long it takes for half of a substance to decay.
History
- In the Victorian era, the fascination with decay led to numerous art movements that celebrated ruins and the passage of time, such as Romanticism.
- Ancient civilizations like the Romans and Greeks believed that decay was a natural process, often reflected in architecture and literature.
- The Industrial Revolution introduced theories of decay in urban environments, highlighting how rapid growth could lead to decay in city planning.
Psychology
- The concept of decay is often used metaphorically in psychology to describe the degradation of memories over time.
- Psychologists have studied how fear of decay can lead to anxiety regarding aging and the deterioration of the body or mind.
- The decay theory in memory suggests that information fades or decays if not accessed or rehearsed regularly.
Literature
- In literature, decay often symbolizes the decline of society or morality, seen in works from Shakespeare to modern dystopian novels.
- Authors frequently use descriptions of decay to create a mood or setting that reflects themes of loss, nostalgia, or critique of civilization.
- American Gothic literature, like the works of Edgar Allan Poe, often explores themes of decay, both physically and mentally.
Origin of 'decayed'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French 'decayer', meaning to fall down or collapse, which traces back to the Latin 'cadere', meaning to fall.
- In Middle English, it was spelled 'decayed', illustrating the evolution of language as it passed through different cultures.
- The concept of decay has been described in literature since ancient times, often used to symbolize decline or death.
The word 'decayed' originated from the Old French word 'decair' meaning 'to fall away'. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word 'decayen'. The concept of decay has always been associated with the natural process of deterioration and decomposition. Decay is a fundamental part of the cycle of life and death in nature, where organic matter breaks down and returns to the earth. The word 'decayed' embodies the idea of gradual decline or disintegration, highlighting the impermanence of all things.