slowly-decayed
|slow-ly-de-cayed|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈsloʊli dɪˈkeɪd/
🇬🇧
/ˈsləʊli dɪˈkeɪd/
(decay)
decomposition
Etymology
Etymology Information
'decay' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'decaïr,' where 'de-' meant 'down' and 'caïr' meant 'to fall.'
Historical Evolution
'decaïr' transformed into the Middle English word 'decayen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'decay.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to fall down or decline,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to decompose or deteriorate.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
describing something that has undergone a gradual process of decomposition or deterioration over time.
The slowly-decayed wood was soft to the touch.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/05/15 20:28