Basic Details
Word: Degenerate
Part of Speech: Verb / Noun
Meaning: To decline in quality, state, or condition; to become worse or lose vitality.
Synonyms: Deteriorate, decline, regress
Antonyms: Improve, progress, elevate
Idioms and Phrases
- Degenerate into chaos: To worsen into a situation that is disordered and confused. Example: "The meeting degenerated into chaos after no one could agree on a solution."
- Don't let things degenerate: A warning not to allow situations to become worse. Example: "Please address the issues at once; don’t let things degenerate any further."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The once-thriving town began to degenerate as businesses closed one by one.
Example 2: Failing to exercise can cause our physical health to degenerate over time.
Example 3: It is important to seek help before relationships degenerate into misunderstandings and mistrust.
Fun Fact
The word "degenerate" comes from the Latin verb "degenerare", which means "to become of a different kind". Originally, it referred to a person or thing that has fallen from a previous good state.
Famous Quote
"The strong man is the one who is able to intercept at will the communication between the senses and the mind." Napoleon Bonaparte (implying the strength should be used to prevent degeneration of thoughts).
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "degenerate" mean?
a) To improve in quality
b) To decline in quality
c) To remain the same
d) To grow larger
Answer: b) To decline in quality
2. Which of these is a synonym of "degenerate"?
a) Flourish
b) Deteriorate
c) Advance
d) Strengthen
Answer: b) Deteriorate
3. What is an antonym of "degenerate"?
a) Deteriorate
b) Improve
c) Decline
d) Regress
Answer: b) Improve
4. Which sentence uses "degenerate" correctly?
a) The garden began to degenerate as it was neglected for months.
b) She decided to degenerate her homework before submitting it.
c) The cake will degenerate if you keep it in the fridge.
d) He planned to degenerate his new pet.
Answer: a) The garden began to degenerate as it was neglected for months.
5. Which idiom suggests avoiding decline?
a) Don't let things degenerate
b) Come what may
c) The early bird catches the worm
d) All that glitters is not gold
Answer: a) Don't let things degenerate
