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effete
IPA:
Dictionary definition of effete
Weak, ineffectual, or lacking in vitality or vigor, especially of a person or society.
"She was put off by the effete mannerisms of the wealthy suitors who courted her."
Detailed meaning of effete
It can also imply that the person is overly refined, or interested in culture and the arts to the point of being frivolous or superficial.
In this context, "effete" is often used to suggest that a person or society has become too soft or too concerned with superficial matters, and has lost the ability or desire to engage in hard work or struggle. It also can mean that person or society is no longer productive or reproducing.
For example, someone might describe an aristocratic society as effete if they believe that its members have become too focused on leisure and pleasure, and no longer have the strength or willpower to rule effectively.
Example sentences containing effete
1. The once thriving city had become an effete shadow of its former self.
2. The aristocrat's effete mannerisms and delicate appearance raised eyebrows among the rugged townspeople.
3. The decadent party was filled with effete individuals who cared only about their own pleasure.
4. The artist's paintings were criticized as being too effete and lacking in depth.
5. The company's outdated and effete management practices led to a decline in productivity.
6. The effete politician's lofty speeches failed to resonate with the working-class voters.
History and etymology of effete
The adjective 'effete' has its origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'effetus,' which is a combination of 'ex,' meaning 'out of' or 'from,' and 'fetus,' meaning 'offspring' or 'progeny.' Originally, 'effete' was used to describe a female animal that was no longer able to bear offspring, essentially suggesting a state of exhaustion or depletion of reproductive capacity. Over time, its usage evolved in English to describe not just animals but also people or societies that are perceived as weak, ineffectual, or lacking in vitality or vigor. The term 'effete' underscores the concept of depletion, exhaustion, or decline in strength and vitality, reflecting its historical connection to the idea of waning energy and productivity.
Further usage examples of effete
1. The extravagant lifestyle of the effete celebrity was a stark contrast to the struggles of everyday people.
2. The effete socialite's obsession with fashion and luxury left little room for genuine human connection.
3. The critics dismissed the novel as an effete piece of literature with no real substance.
4. The effete art gallery showcased pretentious and abstract artwork that left many visitors perplexed.
5. The effete professor's lectures were filled with esoteric references that only a few students could understand.
6. The effete fashion designer's latest collection was met with mixed reviews, with some calling it overly indulgent.
7. The effete society members gathered at the exclusive club to discuss trivial matters.
8. The effete musician's music was labeled as superficial and lacking emotional depth.
9. The effete intellectual scoffed at the simplicity of the rural lifestyle, considering it beneath him.
10. His effete leadership, marked by indecision and lack of vision, resulted in a sharp decline in company morale and performance.
11. The once-vibrant city had become effete and stagnant, with little investment in infrastructure or cultural development.
12. Her effete attempts at problem-solving, consisting of vague suggestions and no concrete action, proved to be entirely ineffective.
13. The effete government, plagued by corruption and bureaucracy, struggled to address pressing issues such as poverty and healthcare.
14. The group's effete performance, marred by missed cues and lackluster energy, disappointed their once-enthusiastic fans.
15. The school's effete policies, including outdated teaching methods and limited resources, hindered educational progress and student engagement.
16. After the long and arduous journey, he appeared effete and tired, in need of rest and rejuvenation.
17. The effete organization, resistant to change and innovation, lacked the drive and adaptability required to thrive in a competitive market.
18. The effete law enforcement agency, plagued by low morale and corruption, failed to maintain order in the city.
19. The artist's recent work seemed uninspired and effete, lacking the creative spark and passion of earlier pieces.
20. His effete arguments, consisting of vague generalizations and lacking supporting evidence, couldn't persuade the skeptical audience.
21. The company's effete marketing efforts, including outdated campaigns and limited online presence, led to declining sales and market share.
22. The once-mighty empire had grown effete and decadent, with its rulers more interested in luxury than governance.
23. Her effete response to the crisis, characterized by indecision and lack of urgency, raised concerns about her leadership abilities.
24. The nation's effete economy, burdened by high unemployment and stagnant growth, struggled to recover from the recession.
25. The team's effete defense, unable to stop the opposing players, cost them the crucial game and a chance at the championship.
26. The manager's effete leadership style, marked by micromanagement and lack of trust in the team, alienated the employees.
27. The organization's effete policies, including rigid rules and limited opportunities for innovation, stifled creativity and progress.
28. The singer's effete voice, once known for its power and range, had lost its former glory due to years of neglect and misuse.
29. The school's effete curriculum, outdated and irrelevant to modern times, desperately needed a major overhaul to prepare students for the future.
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Challenges and Difficulties, Deterioration and Decline, Decline and Decay, Energy and Vitality, Ineffectual and Obsolete
frail,impotent,meek,timid
cowardly,feeble,ineffectual,soft,spineless,wet,wimpy
Synonyms for effete
Quiz categories containing effete
feeble, vigorous, robust, strong
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