Effete Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
effete
[ษชหfษt ]
Definition
lack of vitality
Effete describes something that is no longer capable of effective action or is lacking in vitality. It can refer to a person, organization, or even a culture that has become weak, indulgent, or ineffective, often due to overindulgence or excess. This word carries a connotation of decay or decline, suggesting a situation from which vigor and strength have diminished. In literature, it may illustrate characters or societies that have lost their drive or purpose.
Synonyms
decadent, enervated, ineffective, weak, worn out.
Examples of usage
- The once vibrant city now seemed effete and lifeless.
- Her effete lifestyle was a stark contrast to her hardworking peers.
- The novel depicted an effete aristocracy that had lost its influence in a changing world.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, this term often describes characters who are losing their vigor or vitality, reflecting societal decline.
- Notable authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald and T.S. Eliot have used the term to critique the superficiality of the elite in society.
- The phrase 'effete aristocracy' often appears in historical critiques, suggesting a class that has become disconnected from real strength or virtue.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters portrayed as effete often embody traits such as pretentiousness or a lack of physical prowess, contrasting with more rugged protagonists.
- The term has been used in media to describe certain lifestyles that prioritize aesthetics over action or substance.
- Music often critiques cultural or class โeffeteness,โ alluding to complacency or a lack of authenticity among elites.
Psychology
- People exhibiting effete traits may struggle with motivation or creating meaningful impacts in their lives, reflecting disengagement.
- In psychological terms, this can relate to burnout or loss of ambition, where individuals feel drained and incapable of thriving.
- Understanding effeteness can highlight the importance of resilience and self-care in maintaining personal vitality.
History
- Throughout history, periods of cultural flourishing, like the Roman Empire, often experienced effeteness before decline, indicating a loss of vigor.
- Critics of declining societies frequently used the term to argue that a lack of robust leadership led to an effete culture.
- Key historical texts analyze effete classes as barriers to progress, emphasizing the importance of vitality in society.
Origin of 'effete'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'effete' comes from Latin 'effetus,' meaning 'worn out' or 'exhausted,' originally referring to animals that have given birth.
- It was first used in English in the late 15th century, carrying the sense of something that is no longer productive.
- Over time, its meaning expanded to include people and things showing signs of weakness or decay.
The word 'effete' originated from the Latin term 'effetus', which translates as 'worn out' or 'exhausted'. This Latin word is derived from 'ex-' meaning 'out of' and 'fetus', meaning 'to be delivered' or 'to produce'. Its usage evolved through Middle French before entering the English language in the early 17th century. Historically, the term was used to describe the overindulgence and decline of social classes, particularly the aristocracy, as they became increasingly detached from the struggles of life. Over time, 'effete' has maintained its essence of describing something that has become ineffective, worn, or lacking in vitality due to excess or decline.