Degenerate Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/dɪˈdʒɛnɹeɪt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person whose behavior is rude and uncivilized, especially one who is coarse and unrefined in their manners or language.

Examples

• The degenerate gambler lost all his money at the casino.
• The degenerate musician’s behavior was rude and unprofessional.

Synonyms

• Ne’er-do-well
• Rogue

Antonyms

• Civilized
• Refined

Etymology

The word “degenerate” comes from the Latin “degenerare,” meaning “to degenerate” or “to decline,” and is related to the Latin “genus,” meaning “kind” or “species.”

Usage Notes

When using the term “degenerate,” it is essential to consider the context and avoid making blanket statements or stereotypes about individuals. Avoid using the term to describe someone’s appearance, race, or ethnicity.

Cultural References

The term “degenerate” has appeared in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. In literature, examples include Friedrich Nietzsche’s “Beyond Good and Evil” and Thomas Hardy’s “Jude the Obscure.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some idiomatic expressions that include the word “degenerate” are “degenerate into” (to become worse or more corrupt), “degenerate from” (to come from lower or worse origins), and “degenerate germ” (a germ or entity that is considered degenerate or corrupt).

Related Words or Phrases

Related words or phrases to “degenerate” include “destruction,” “corruption,” and “decay.”

Collocations

Common collocations with the term “degenerate” include “degenerate behavior,” “degenerate society,” and “degenerate tendencies.”

Frequency of Use

The term “degenerate” is less commonly used in modern language, with a frequency of use generally limited to contexts where it is necessary to describe a specific behavior or quality.