Decay
/dɪˈkeɪ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo rot or decompose; to gradually decline in health, strength, or vigor.
/dɪˈkeɪ/
To rot or decompose
The abandoned house slowly decayed.
💡 Simply: Imagine a piece of fruit left on the counter for weeks. That fruit is going to decay, or slowly break down and rot. It's like when things slowly fall apart because they are old or damaged. Just like how old houses might decay or rot because of the rain.
👶 For kids: When something rots or breaks down and gets yucky, like food left out too long.
More Examples
The apples began to decay in the fruit bowl.
The body decayed rapidly in the hot weather.
How It's Used
"Dead leaves decay over time, returning nutrients to the soil."
"The wooden fence is starting to decay due to the weather."
The process of rotting, decomposing, or declining; the state of being in a state of decline.
/dɪˈkeɪ/
The process of rotting or decline
The building was in a state of decay.
💡 Simply: Decay is the process of something getting worse and worse over time, like an old house slowly falling apart. Think of it like a plant in your garden that is wilting and is not getting the right nutrients.
👶 For kids: When something is breaking down and getting yucky, like a banana that's gone bad.
More Examples
The decay of the old books was noticeable.
The scientists studied the rate of decay in the forest.
How It's Used
"The decay of organic matter is essential for the nutrient cycle."
"The empire experienced a long period of decay before its collapse."
Idioms & expressions
tooth decay
The process of damage to the structure of a tooth, resulting in cavities.
"Poor dental hygiene can lead to tooth decay."
moral decay
A decline in the standards of good behavior, honesty, and morality within a society or a group.
"Some critics attributed the city's social problems to moral decay."
From Old French *décair* ('to fall, decline'), ultimately from Latin *cadere* ('to fall').
The word 'decay' has been used since the 14th century and has consistently referred to a process of decline or deterioration, both in physical and metaphorical contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a 'cake' that starts to 'decay' if left out too long.
Word Origin
"to fall"