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YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

decadent

Adjective

IPA /ˈdekədənt/

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Meaning in plain English

Overly focused on pleasure and luxury, with little concern for responsibility or moral standards.

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Pronunciation

decadent/ˈdekədənt/

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  1. A wealthy family has many resources

  2. They spend only on luxury and pleasure

  3. Their responsibilities are ignored

A decadent lifestyle puts excessive pleasure ahead of responsibility.

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  1. The novel follows a decadent family that spends its fortune on endless parties.
  2. The class debated the writer's portrayal of a decadent ruling elite.

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The novel follows a ________ family that spends its fortune on endless parties.
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decadent — Overly focused on pleasure and luxury, with little concern for responsibility or moral standards.

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Overly focused on pleasure and luxury, with little concern for responsibility or moral standards.

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Word origin

From French decadent, ultimately related to a Latin word connected with decline.

Did you know?

Decadent often describes a lifestyle or society and usually expresses criticism.

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decadent

/ˈdekədənt/ (Adjective)

“This meaning is disapproving. In food advertising, decadent can be used more playfully for something rich and indulgent.”

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