Dotage: meaning, definitions and examples

The term 'dotage' has its origins in Middle English, derived from the word 'doten', which means 'to dote'. Dote itself has roots in Old English 'dōtian', which means 'to act foolishly' or 'to be stupid'. This provides insight into how the word has evolved to describe a condition often characterized by a lack of mental acuity typically seen in the elderly. Historically, the association of growing old with a decline in mental faculties has been a prevalent theme across various cultures, leading to a wide array of idioms and terms describing this state. The usage of 'dotage' in literature and dialogue reflects societal views on aging and wisdom, emphasizing the juxtaposition between the experience gained over a lifetime and the cognitive decline that can accompany old age.

This word's position of #31,477 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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