decadence

Definitions

de- (down) + cad (cadere, 'fall') + -ence = 'a falling down.' Decadence is a culture or person 'falling down' from a former high standard — a slide into decline. The modern sense often softens into 'luxurious self-indulgence' (decadent chocolate cake), but the root image is always a fall from a peak.

Common Collocations

• 1.moral decadence道德衰退
• 2.cultural decadence文化衰退
• 3.decadence period衰退时期

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Critics saw the empire's decadence as the cause of its fall.

• 2.

  The party was a night of pure decadence.