Basic Details
Word: Decay
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To gradually become rotten or to break down over time.
Synonyms: Rot, Deteriorate, Decompose
Antonyms: Thrive, Improve, Flourish
Idioms and Phrases
- Under the weather: Feeling unwell, often due to a decline in health. Example: "She felt under the weather after a week of no exercise, and her energy began to decay."
- Rotten to the core: Describes something that is completely bad or decayed. Example: "The old building was so neglected that it had become rotten to the core."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The fruit began to decay after being left out for too long in the sun.
Example 2: Scientists study how organic materials decay over time to understand environmental changes.
Example 3: If we do not take care of our teeth, they will decay and we could lose them.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the process of decay is essential for the environment? It helps recycle nutrients back into the soil, allowing new plants to grow!
Famous Quote
"Nothing is permanent in this wicked world, not even our troubles." - Charlie Chaplin
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "decay" mean?
a) To grow stronger
b) To become rotten
c) To flash brightly
d) To appear suddenly
Answer: b) To become rotten
2. Which of these is a synonym of "decay"?
a) Flourish
b) Thrive
c) Decompose
d) Improve
Answer: c) Decompose
3. Which term is an antonym of "decay"?
a) Rot
b) Deteriorate
c) Thrive
d) Decompose
Answer: c) Thrive
4. Which sentence uses "decay" correctly?
a) The sun began to decay as the day went on.
b) The old leaves decay into nutrient-rich soil.
c) She tried to decay the noise from the party.
d) The car will decay in one day if it continues to drive.
Answer: b) The old leaves decay into nutrient-rich soil.
5. Which idiom suggests something that is completely bad?
a) Under the weather
b) Rotten to the core
c) The icing on the cake
d) Chasing rainbows
Answer: b) Rotten to the core
