effete

effete


Definition: Lacking in wholesome vigor; degenerate; exhausted of vitality; worn out.

Origin: From Latin "effetus," meaning "worn out, exhausted," from "ex-" (out) + "fetus" (produced).

Example: The once-vibrant community had become effete, struggling to maintain its traditions and energy.

"Worn out" encapsulates the essence of "effete," which conveys a sense of depletion and exhaustion. When something is described as effete, it suggests a loss of vitality and vigor, often due to overuse or decay. This term is frequently applied to people, societies, or ideas that have become weak or ineffective, indicating that they can no longer produce fresh energy or creativity. In this context, "effete" serves as a poignant reminder of the natural decline that can occur when vitality is not replenished, leading to a state of weariness and stagnation.

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ef·fete
[;;fi;t]

adjective
effete (adjective)
derogatory
affected and overly refined:
"effete trendies from art college""he chatted away, exercising his rather effete charm"
Similar:
affected
over-refined
ineffectual
artificial
studied
pretentious
precious
chi-chi
flowery
mannered
twee
la-di-da
pseud
poncy
toffee-nosed
alembicated
Opposite:
unpretentious
(of a man) behaving in a way traditionally associated with women and regarded as inappropriate for a man.
Similar:
effeminate
unmasculine
unmanly
womanish
girlish
feminine
weak
soft
timid
timorous
fearful
cowardly
lily-livered
spineless
craven
pusillanimous
chicken-hearted
weak-kneed
sissy
wimpish
wimpy
limp-wristed

milksoppish

pansyish
Opposite:
manly
no longer capable of effective action:
"the authority of an effete aristocracy began to dwindle"
Similar:
weakened
enfeebled
enervated
worn out
exhausted
finished
burnt out
drained
spent
powerless

played out
Opposite:
powerful