decayed

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Sure! Let's break down the word "decayed" in a way that's easy to understand.

Definition:

"Decayed" is an adjective that describes something that has been damaged over time because it has rotted or fallen apart. This usually happens when something is old, wet, or not taken care of. When something is decayed, it is no longer useful or strong.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "decayed" to describe things like food, wood, or even ideas that are no longer good. It often refers to physical things, but it can also describe situations or concepts that have deteriorated.

Examples:

1. The old house had decayed floorboards that creaked when you walked on them.
2. After a few days outside, the fruit became decayed and started to smell bad.
3. The city had to repair the decayed buildings in the neighborhood.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "decayed" can refer to something that has lost its strength or effectiveness over time, such as a decayed argument or decayed relationships.

Word Variants:

• Decay (verb): To undergo the process of rotting or decomposition.
  • Example: The leaves will decay over the winter.
• Decay (noun): The process of becoming rotted or decomposed.
  • Example: The decay of the old tree was evident in its crumbling bark.

Different Meanings:

1. In biology, "decayed" can refer to the decomposition of organic matter.
2. In chemistry, it can pertain to the breakdown of substances, like radioactive decay.

Synonyms:

• Rotten
• Decomposed
• Spoiled
• Deteriorated
• Ruined

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren’t many idioms directly related to "decayed," but you might hear phrases like: - "In a state of decay": This means something is falling apart or deteriorating. - "Let it decay": This can mean to allow something to worsen or not take care of it.

Summary:

"Decayed" is a word that describes something that has rotted or fallen apart over time, making it weak or unusable. You can use it to talk about physical objects, food, or even ideas that are no longer strong or valid.

Academic

Adjective

1. damaged by decay; hence unsound and useless
   • rotten floor boards
   • rotted beams
   • a decayed foundation

Synonyms

• rotten
• rotted