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Degenerated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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degenerated

[dɪˈdʒɛnəreɪtɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

general description

Degenerated refers to a state of decline or deterioration. It often describes something that has lost its original qualities or functions, typically due to disease, neglect, or aging.

Synonyms

corrupted, declined, degraded, deteriorated, diminished.

Examples of usage

  • His health has degenerated over the years.
  • The once-vibrant community has degenerated into a ghost town.
  • The degenerated tissue failed to support proper function.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, degeneration refers to the process where cells or tissues deteriorate due to age or disease.
  • Neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's, involve the degeneration of brain cells, leading to cognitive decline.

Cultural Impact

  • In various cultures, degeneration has been depicted in literature to represent moral decline or downfall of civilizations.
  • Movies often showcase degeneration as a theme in dystopian settings, emphasizing societal collapse.

Psychology

  • Certain psychological theories suggest that repeated negative experiences can lead to emotional or mental degeneration.
  • The concept of 'moral degeneration' is used to explain how societal influences can impact individual ethics and behavior.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers like Nietzsche discussed degeneration in terms of the decline of societal values and human potential.
  • In ethical discussions, degeneration points to the decline of principles that guide behavior, emphasizing the need for a moral revival.

Origin of 'degenerated'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin 'degenerare', meaning 'to fall from a kind' or 'to waste away'.
  • In many languages, the root shares a similar meaning, often relating to loss of quality or change into something lesser.

The term 'degenerated' comes from the Latin word 'degenerare', meaning 'to become unlike one's ancestors'. In the early 19th century, it began to be used in English to describe the process of declining in quality or vitality. Initially, it referred to physical degeneration, such as in health or biology, but it has since been broadened to include moral, social, and cultural contexts as well. The concept of degeneration has been significant in various fields, including medicine, anthropology, and sociology, often linked to theories of evolutionary decline or societal collapse.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,647, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.