Words / C2

DEK-uh-d-uh-ns/ˈdekədəns/

Decadence is moral or cultural decline, often with luxurious self-indulgence: a period of decadence, decadence of taste. Luxury (already in the dictionary) is great comfort you do not need; decay (already in the dictionary) is to rot or worsen, and a blight (already in the dictionary) is a spoiling force. Salubrious (already in the dictionary) is healthy and pleasant — the contrast. Canapés are not a named warden.

Meaning

Moral or cultural decline, often with luxurious self-indulgence.

Examples

• “Decadence at the gala is not a named fire warden.”
• “Luxury is extra comfort (already in B1). To decay is to worsen (already in B2). A blight is a spoiling force (already in C2). Salubrious is healthy and pleasant (already in C2) — the contrast. Taste at a sitting can be exact. Taste instead of a rota is a hole. Write the name; leave the menu for the social.”

Good to know

Moral decline; luxurious decay. Everyday-close: luxury / decay (already in this dictionary). Close: blight (already in C2). Contrast: salubrious (already in C2). A gala ≠ a warden.

Near in meaning

decline, self-indulgence, degeneration, excess

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