decadent
UK: ˈdekədənt | US: ˈdekədənt
adj. 1. characterized by moral or cultural decline; self-indulgent or excessively luxurious.
adj. 2. (of art or literature) deliberately rejecting traditional standards of structure or style.
n. 3. a person who is decadent, especially in artistic or social contexts.
decadent = de<down> + cad<fall> + ent<adjective suffix>
- de (Latin prefix meaning "down" or "away")
- cad (from Latin cadere, meaning "to fall")
- ent (adjective-forming suffix indicating a state or quality)
Etymology Origin:
The word "decadent" originates from the Latin decadere ("to fall down"), combining de- (down) and cadere (to fall). It initially described literal decline (e.g., empires) but evolved in 19th-century French (décadent) to critique art and society perceived as morally decaying. The term later embraced a positive connotation in artistic circles, celebrating rebellion against norms.
The decadent lifestyle of the aristocracy fueled public resentment.
Critics dismissed the poem as decadent and unstructured.
The hotel’s decadent chocolate cake was irresistible.
He embraced his role as a decadent, challenging societal conventions.
The film’s decadent visuals contrasted sharply with its grim themes.