adj
decadent
DEH-kuh-duhnt
Decadent (adj) means showing moral or cultural decline through excessive indulgence. Example: “The film depicts the decadent final years of the royal court.”
adj
1
Showing moral or cultural decline through excessive indulgence.
"The film depicts the decadent final years of the royal court."
2
Luxuriously indulgent, in a pleasurable rather than critical sense.
"We treated ourselves to a decadent weekend at the spa."
"It's such a decadent chocolate cake."
How to use decadent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "in moral decline through excess" or, more commonly today, "wonderfully indulgent."
Common pairings
decadent dessert
decadent lifestyle
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Word forms
- Plural
- decadents
- Comparative
- more decadent
- Superlative
- most decadent
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The film depicts the _____ final years of the royal court.
Etymology
From French décadent, related to décadence — ultimately from Latin dē- ("down") + cadere ("to fall").
Frequently asked questions
What does “decadent” mean?
The word “decadent” means showing moral or cultural decline through excessive indulgence. In plain terms, either "in moral decline through excess" or, more commonly today, "wonderfully indulgent.".
How do you pronounce “decadent”?
“Decadent” is pronounced DEH-kuh-duhnt (/ˈdɛkədənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “decadent” in a sentence?
Here is “decadent” used in a sentence: “The film depicts the decadent final years of the royal court.”
What part of speech is “decadent”?
“Decadent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “decadent” come from?
The word “decadent” comes from Latin. From French décadent, related to décadence — ultimately from Latin dē- ("down") + cadere ("to fall").
How many meanings does “decadent” have?
“Decadent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: showing moral or cultural decline through excessive indulgence.
