Basic Details
Word: Deteriorate
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To become worse or to decline in quality, condition, or value.
Synonyms: Decline, worsen, degrade
Antonyms: Improve, enhance, upgrade
Idioms and Phrases
- Deteriorate into thin air: To disappear suddenly or without explanation. Example: "The lost treasure seemed to deteriorate into thin air, and no one could find any trace of it."
- Deteriorate before our eyes: To worsen or decay visibly and rapidly. Example: "As the storm approached, the condition of the roads began to deteriorate before our eyes."
Usage Examples
Example 1: If you don't take care of your health, your condition may deteriorate over time.
Example 2: The building began to deteriorate after years of neglect and bad weather.
Example 3: The friendship started to deteriorate when they began arguing about small things.
Fun Fact
The word "deteriorate" comes from the Latin word "deterior," meaning "worse" or "inferior." It has been used in English since the late 18th century and has often been applied to health, materials, and relationships.
Famous Quote
"Things do not change; we change." Henry David Thoreau. This quote suggests that deterioration is often a result of our own actions or inactions over time.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "deteriorate" mean?
a) To improve
b) To become worse
c) To stay the same
d) To grow
Answer: b) To become worse
2. Which of these is a synonym of "deteriorate"?
a) Enhance
b) Decline
c) Preserve
d) Nurture
Answer: b) Decline
3. What is the opposite of "deteriorate"?
a) Worsen
b) Degrade
c) Improve
d) Diminish
Answer: c) Improve
4. Which sentence uses "deteriorate" correctly?
a) The food started to deteriorate after being left out.
b) The flower began to deteriorate when the gardener watered it.
c) I hope to deteriorate my painting techniques.
d) The sun will deteriorate the sky's brightness.
Answer: a) The food started to deteriorate after being left out.
5. Which idiom suggests visible worsening?
a) Deteriorate into thin air
b) Deteriorate before our eyes
c) Under the weather
d) In the same boat
Answer: b) Deteriorate before our eyes
