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Dissolute Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissolute

[หˆdษชsษ™หŒluหt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Lacking moral restraint; indulging in immoral or improper behavior.

Synonyms

debauched, decadent, depraved, licentious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissolute

When describing someone who lacks moral restraint, particularly in terms of indulgence in vices like drinking or promiscuity.

  • He lived a dissolute life, spending his nights in bars and casinos
debauched

Used to describe excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures, often implying moral corruption and a wild lifestyle.

  • The debauched party lasted until dawn, leaving everyone exhausted and ashamed
decadent

Refers to excessive luxury and indulgence, often implying moral decline due to overindulgence in pleasurable activities.

  • The decadent lifestyle of the rich and famous often leads to scandal
depraved

Describes someone or something that is morally corrupt or wicked, indicating a serious level of evil or immorality.

  • The depraved criminal showed no remorse for his actions
licentious

Used to describe a person or behavior that lacks legal or moral restraints, especially in a sexual context.

  • The licentious behavior at the club shocked the new members

Examples of usage

  • His dissolute lifestyle finally caught up with him and he lost everything.
  • The dissolute behavior of the party guests shocked the host.
Context #2 | Adjective

character

Having a very relaxed attitude towards morals and conventions.

Synonyms

carefree, libertine, unprincipled, unrestrained.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dissolute

Used to describe someone who behaves in a morally wrong way, particularly in terms of alcohol or sexual matters.

  • His dissolute lifestyle led him into many troubles
libertine

Describes someone who lives without moral restraint, especially in terms of sexual conduct. Often has a formal or historical tone.

  • The poet was known for his libertine ways, which scandalized society
unrestrained

Used to describe someone or something free from limitations, often in the context of emotions or actions. Can be either positive or negative.

  • His unrestrained laughter filled the room
  • Her unrestrained greed eventually led to her downfall
unprincipled

Implies a lack of moral principles. Often used in a negative sense to describe dishonest people.

  • The unprincipled businessman wouldn't hesitate to cheat his clients
carefree

Used when someone is free from worries or responsibilities, often in a positive or neutral sense.

  • She spent her vacation in a carefree manner, enjoying every moment

Examples of usage

  • Her dissolute attitude towards relationships often caused drama.
  • The dissolute nature of the protagonist made him an intriguing character in the novel.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In 18th-century literature, dissolute characters were often depicted as charming rogues or tragic figures in need of redemption.
  • Famous works like 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde explore the themes of dissolute lifestyles leading to moral decay.
  • Many Shakespearean plays feature dissolute characters who embody the excesses of their time, reflecting societal values of the period.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals leading dissolute lives may often struggle with impulse control, leading to indulgent behavior.
  • Psychological research suggests that some may choose dissolute lifestyles due to a pursuit of happiness through pleasure rather than moderation.
  • Cultural norms can influence dissolute behaviorsโ€”what might be accepted in one society could be frowned upon in another.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray dissolute lifestyles by following characters who indulge heavily in partying and excess, like in 'The Wolf of Wall Street'.
  • Reality TV shows often glamorize dissolute living, showcasing lavish lifestyles and reckless behavior as aspirational.
  • Music has also captured the dissolute lifestyle, with genres like rock and hip-hop frequently referencing themes of excess and hedonism.

Philosophy

  • Philosophical discussions around dissolute living often raise questions about moral ethics, prosperity, and the definition of a 'good life'.
  • Thinkers like Aristotle criticized dissolute behavior as a failure of virtue, focusing instead on the 'Golden Mean' as a balanced approach to life.
  • Existentialists might argue that the choice to live dissolutely reflects a rejection of societal norms and an embrace of personal freedom.

Origin of 'dissolute'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'dissolutus', meaning 'loose' or 'broken away', originally referring to a relaxed lifestyle.
  • It has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe individuals living morally unrestrained lives.
  • In historical texts, it connected to behaviors seen in literature, often highlighting the contrast with virtuous characters.

The word 'dissolute' originated from the Latin word 'dissolutus', which means 'loosed, dissolved'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. Over time, 'dissolute' has evolved to describe someone lacking moral restraint or indulging in immoral behavior. The term has been used in literature and everyday language to depict characters or behaviors that deviate from societal norms.

See also: dissolubility, dissoluble, dissolution, dissolvability, dissolvable, dissolvableness, dissolver, dissolving, indissoluble, undissolvable.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,612, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.