decadent
/ˈdɛkədənt/
Group 8Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline; luxuriously self-indulgent GRE
Example in Context
The exhibition chronicled the decadent excesses of the gilded age alongside the grinding poverty that made them possible.
Synonyms
indulgentluxuriouscorrupt
Etymology
Falling down morally or indulging excessively.
- de- (Latin) — down
- cadere (Latin) — to fall
Memory Aid
🦷Sounds like “decade dent”
After a DECADE of indulgence, my teeth have a DENT from all that cake!
Visual Association
🍰A lavish dessert spread where every cake slice is taller than a skyscraper, dripping with chocolate.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “decadent” mean on the GRE?
decadent (adjective) means “Characterized by or reflecting a state of moral or cultural decline; luxuriously self-indulgent”. The exhibition chronicled the decadent excesses of the gilded age alongside the grinding poverty that made them possible.
How to remember “decadent” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “decadent” sounds like “decade dent”. After a DECADE of indulgence, my teeth have a DENT from all that cake!
What are synonyms for “decadent”?
Common synonyms: indulgent, luxurious, corrupt.