effete: [17] Latin effētus meant literally ‘that has given birth’. It was a compound adjective, based on the prefix ex- ‘out’ and fētus ‘childbearing, offspring’ (source of English foetus). Its use spread metaphorically first to ‘worn out by giving birth’ and finally to simply ‘exhausted’, the senses in which English originally acquired it. The word’s modern connotations of ‘overrefinement’ and ‘decadence’ did not develop until the 19th century.
effete (adj.)
1620s, "functionless as a result of age or exhaustion," from Latin effetus (usually in fem. effeta) "exhausted, unproductive, worn out (with bearing offspring), past bearing," literally "that has given birth," from a lost verb, *efferi, from ex- "out" (see ex-) + fetus "childbearing, offspring" (see fetus). Figurative use is earliest in English; literal use is rare. Sense of "intellectually or morally exhausted" (1790) led to that of "decadent, effeminate" (by 1850s).
双语例句
1. People said the aristocracy was effete.
人们说贵族阶级已是日薄西山了.
来自辞典例句
2. The absurd and backward - looking notion of locating a research centre in an effete , rundown, has - been country.
把研究中心设在一个苍老 、 衰退 、 过了时的国家,纯属愚蠢,开倒车的想法.
来自辞典例句
3. During the ages, Greek civilization declined and became effete.
在中世纪期间, 希腊文明开始衰落直至衰败.
来自互联网
4. During the middle ages, Greek civilization declined and became effete.
希腊文明在中世纪衰败并变得没落.
来自互联网
5. TYPICAL USE : Duing the middle ages, Greek civilization declined and effete.
