degenerate
dee-JEN-uh-rayt
/dɪˈdʒɛnəreɪt/
To decline or deteriorate physically, mentally, or morally.
Often carries a negative moral judgment or describes a move away from a higher standard of behavior or biological function.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'degeneratus,' meaning 'to fall from the qualities of one's ancestors.' It literally means to move away from your 'genus' or kind. It was originally used in breeding animals before being applied to human behavior.
Word relationships
- debase: 'Debase' usually means to lower in value or quality intentionally; 'degenerate' is often a natural decline.
- decay: 'Decay' is more physical; 'degenerate' is often social or behavioral.
- regenerate: To grow back or be reformed.
- elevate: To raise to a higher moral or intellectual level.
Commonly confused with
- deteriorate: Deteriorate is more neutral; degenerate often implies a loss of 'character' or 'type'.
Word family
- degeneration (noun): The state or process of being degenerate.
- degenerative (adjective): Characterized by progressive deterioration.
Collocations
- degenerate into violence
- degenerate condition
- moral degenerate
Example sentences
- "The debate quickly began to degenerate into a series of personal insults." Describing a meeting that lost control.
- "In some cave-dwelling species, the eyes degenerate because they are no longer needed in the dark." Biological context.
Memory hook
If you 'De-Generate,' you are losing the good 'Genes' or qualities you started with. Degenerate = Depart from the Genus.
When not to use
Use carefully when referring to people, as it can be highly insulting or associated with outdated eugenics theories.
Fun facts
- The term 'Degenerate Art' was used by the Nazi regime to describe modern art they disapproved of.
Related words
Explore more words
degenerative, degradation, devolve, aberrant, devalue, go south
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