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degenerate

de·gen·er·ate

degenerate

 
 
parts of speech:
intransitive verb, adjective, noun
features:
Word Combinations (verb, adjective, noun), Word Parts
part of speech: intransitive verb
pronunciation: dih je n reIt
inflections: degenerates, degenerating, degenerated
definition 1: to decline from an original or former condition; change for the worse in nature or quality; deteriorate.
The downtown shopping area had degenerated to such a state that only a few stores remained open.
antonyms:
ameliorate, improve
similar words:
decay, decline, rot, ruin
definition 2: to decline markedly in mental or moral character.
antonyms:
regenerate
similar words:
rot
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part of speech: adjective
pronunciation: di je nr t
definition 1: having become worse in nature, character, or quality.
similar words:
rotten
definition 2: having declined markedly in mental or moral character.
similar words:
rotten
definition 3: characterized by or related to low moral standards or immoral behavior.
antonyms:
upright, upstanding
similar words:
base, corrupt, immoral, impure
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part of speech: noun
pronunciation: di je nr t
definition: a degenerate person, esp. one who exhibits amoral or sexually deviant behavior.
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derivations: degenerately (adv.), degenerateness (n.)
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