释义 |
dec·a·dent I. \-ənt, -ənt\ adjective Etymology: back-formation from decadence 1. : marked by decay or decline (as from an earlier condition of excellence or vitality): as a. : characterized by self-indulgence < a rich and decadent aristocracy > b. : tending to regress : becoming less prominent < shell ornamentation decadent > — used chiefly in taxonomic diagnoses 2. a. : of, relating to, or having the qualities characteristic of the decadents b. : of, relating to, or having the qualities characteristic of a period of decadence • dec·a·dent·ly adverb II. noun (-s) 1. : one that is decadent; especially : one characterized by or exhibiting the qualities of those who are degenerating to a lower type or of an age that is on the decline 2. : one of a group of late 19th century French and English writers whose subjects often tended toward the artificial and abnormal and whose style was marked especially by refinement and subtlety |