Effete Meaning in English
word
ɛˈfit
ih-FEET
ˈɛfiːt
EF-eet
Definition
Describes someone or something that has become weak, powerless, or lacking energy, often after once being strong. It can also mean overly refined and lacking vitality.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly formal and literary, sometimes negative or mocking. Common in critiques of culture or art ('effete intellectuals'). Rare in everyday conversation; avoid in casual talk.
Spanish: débil - decadente - agotadoPortuguese (BR): fraco - decadente - esgotadoPortuguese (PT): fraco - decadente - esgotadoChinese (Simplified): 衰弱的 - 颓废的Chinese (Traditional): 衰弱的 - 頹廢的Hindi: शक्तिहीन - थका हुआ - कमज़ोरArabic: ضعيف - متدهور - واهنBengali: দুর্বল - শক্তিহীন - জীবনীশক্তিহীনRussian: изнеженный - выдохшийся - бессильныйJapanese: 弱体化した - 活力を失った - 退廃的なVietnamese: uy yếu - bạc nhược - thiếu sức sốngKorean: 쇠약해진 - 무기력한 - 생기가 없는Turkish: güçsüz - zayıf düşmüş - etkisizUrdu: کمزور - بے اثر - ناتواںIndonesian: lemah - tak bertenaga - kehilangan vitalitas
Example Sentences
The once-powerful empire became effete and weak.
basic
Some critics call modern art too effete.
basic
His leadership grew effete over time.
basic
People often mock politicians for having effete ideas that lack real effect.
natural
The novel paints the upper class as effete and lost in luxury.
natural
He dismissed the club as an effete group with no influence.
natural