Effete - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Effete describes something weakened, exhausted, or lacking vigor, often due to over-refinement or decadence. It can also imply ineffectiveness or sterility, particularly in intellectual or cultural contexts.
Definition:
Lacking vigor, strength, or effectiveness; overly refined or decadent.
Synonyms:
Decadent, enervated, exhausted, weak
Part of Speech:
Adjective
Antonyms:
Vigorous, robust
Common Collocations:
Effete aristocracy, effete culture, effete intellectualism
Derivatives:
Effeteness, effetely
Usage Tips:
Use "effete" to describe something weakened or overly refined, often with a negative connotation.
Common Phrases:
Effete snobbery, effete elite, effete sophistication
Etymology:
From Latin "effētus," meaning "worn out by bearing young" or "exhausted."
Examples:
- 1. The aristocracy became effete after generations of luxury.
- 2. His effete manners made him seem out of touch with reality.
- 3. Critics dismissed the art movement as effete and pretentious.
- 4. The once-powerful empire grew effete and collapsed from within.