Definition

Describing something that has broken down or rotted over time, often due to age or lack of care.

Example

The decayed fruit was no longer edible and had to be thrown away.

Conversation

Have you seen that old building downtown?

Yeah, it looks really decayed lately.

I heard it's been empty for years now.

That makes sense; I hope they do something about it soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To have broken down or rotted over time, often due to the action of bacteria or fungi.

Example

The old fruit had decayed and was no longer edible.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see that old house down the street?

Yeah, it's amazing how much it has decayed over the years.

I remember when it used to look so vibrant and alive.

Root Explanation

Decayed → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "cadere" (meaning to fall). The word describes something that has fallen down or deteriorated over time.

Memory Tip

Think of something that has 'fallen away' ('de-') from its original state ('cadere') — that's why decayed means something that has deteriorated.

Visually Confused Words