adjective / noun
decadent
DEK-uh-duhnt/ˈdekədənt/
Marked by moral decline through self-indulgence.
The decadent man indulges in more rich desserts despite the excess already around him.
Etymology
The underlying image of falling down became decline from former excellence. Applied to luxuries, this judgment shifted toward self-indulgence; advertising for desserts helped develop the approving sense of something richly satisfying.
In context
when I say a perfume smells rich I mean that in an oldw World way I mean like heady decadent often overwhelming spices is Amber and incense something Lush or overdosed
More examples
- She condemns a decadent culture that prizes pleasure over responsibility.
- The novel portrays the wealthy heir as a decadent.
- They abandon their decadent lifestyle after years of reckless excess.
Forms
decadent · decadents · more decadent · most decadent
decadence noun — Moral decline marked by excessive self-indulgence.
decadently adverb — In an excessively luxurious or self-indulgent way.
Similar words
- dissolute
- Emphasizes lack of moral restraint, especially in personal behavior.
- self-indulgent
- Emphasizes satisfying personal desires without necessarily suggesting moral decline.