Deteriorate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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deteriorate
[dษชหtษชษrษชษหreษชt ]
Definitions
in weather conditions
To become progressively worse.
Synonyms
decay, decline, degenerate, worsen.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deteriorate |
Used when discussing the general worsening or degradation of a condition, quality, or situation over time.
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| worsen |
Directly refers to making something worse or becoming worse, often used with health or situations.
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| decline |
Commonly used when discussing a steady decrease or reduction in the level, quality, or importance of something.
|
| degenerate |
Emphasizes a fall to a worse state, often with the implication of loss of previous good qualities, can have a negative connotation.
|
| decay |
Often used to describe the gradual process of decomposition or rot, especially in organic matter or structures.
|
Examples of usage
- The weather is expected to deteriorate over the weekend.
- The road conditions will deteriorate as the snow continues to fall.
in health
To decline in quality or condition.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deteriorate |
This word is often used to describe the gradual worsening of a condition or situation, especially relating to health, quality, or physical state.
|
| decline |
This word is used generally to indicate a decrease or reduction in quality, quantity, or importance. It is often used in formal or statistical contexts.
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| worsen |
This word is used when a situation, condition, or problem becomes more severe or serious. It is common in everyday language.
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| weaken |
This word refers to the reduction of strength or power, and can be used in various contexts, such as physical strength, structures, or influence.
|
Examples of usage
- His health began to deteriorate after the accident.
- Without proper care, the patient's condition may deteriorate.
in relationship
To break down or weaken over time.
Synonyms
dissolve, erode, fray, weaken.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deteriorate |
Often used to describe the gradual worsening of a condition, quality, or situation, especially over time.
|
| weaken |
Used to indicate a reduction in physical strength, power, influence, or effectiveness. It can apply to a broad range of contexts including health, structures, and arguments.
|
| erode |
Commonly used in geological contexts to describe the gradual wearing away of soil, rock, or land by natural forces like wind and water. It is also used metaphorically to refer to the gradual weakening or destruction of something.
|
| fray |
Primarily used to describe the wear and tear of fabric, resulting in threads becoming loose or worn. It can also be used metaphorically to describe strained nerves or relationships.
|
| dissolve |
Used to describe the process by which a solid becomes incorporated into a liquid and forms a solution. It can also mean the disintegration or ending of a formal arrangement.
|
Examples of usage
- The trust between them started to deteriorate after the betrayal.
- The friendship deteriorated as they drifted apart.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that people often perceive changes in their own condition as more negative than those in others.
- Cognitive biases can affect how we view deterioration in both personal health and relationships.
- Awareness of deterioration may trigger anxiety, impacting mental health directly.
Environmental Science
- Environmental deterioration happens when human activities lead to the degradation of natural resources.
- Pollution, deforestation, and climate change are significant contributors to the deterioration of ecosystems.
- Restoration efforts focus on reversing some types of environmental deterioration by restoring natural habitats.
Medicine
- In medical contexts, deterioration is often linked to the progression of diseases or health conditions.
- Monitoring patient health includes looking for signs of deterioration, which can be critical for treatment plans.
- Early detection of deterioration can improve patient outcomes, highlighting the importance of regular check-ups.
Cultural References
- Films, novels, and artworks often depict the theme of deterioration as a metaphor for personal decline or societal collapse.
- The process of deterioration is a common subject in literature, emphasizing the inevitability of change.
- Music often explores the concept, with songs reflecting on loss and the decline of relationships over time.
Origin of 'deteriorate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'deteriorare,' meaning 'to make worse.'
- It combines 'de-' meaning 'down from' and 'terius,' which means 'more of' or 'worse.'
- It was first used in English around the late 15th century, reflecting gradual declines.
The word 'deteriorate' originated from the Latin word 'deterioratus', which means 'made worse'. The word first appeared in the English language in the early 16th century. Over time, 'deteriorate' has been used to describe the process of becoming progressively worse in various contexts, such as weather conditions, health, and relationships.