deteriorate etymology

Etymology

The word "deteriorate" comes from the Latin word "deteriorare," which means "to make worse" or "to impair." "Deteriorare" is derived from the comparative adjective "deterior," meaning "worse."

Meaning

Deteriorate means to become worse or less desirable over time. It often refers to the physical or quality of something.

Origin

The concept of deterioration has been recognized for centuries. In ancient times, philosophers and scientists observed that all things eventually decay or decline. This idea was famously expressed in the writings of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, who said, "All things flow."

The word "deteriorate" first appeared in English in the 16th century. It was initially used to describe the physical decay of a body or object. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the decline in quality or condition of anything.

Examples

• The old house has deteriorated over the years and is no longer habitable.
• The health of the patient has deteriorated rapidly in recent days.
• The economy has deteriorated due to the recent recession.

deteriorate relate terms

• deterioration

  Etymology Origin Latin Root deterior worse Meaning A gradual decline in the

• deteriorate

  Etymology The word deteriorate comes from the Latin word deteriorare which means to

• devolve

  Etymology Latin devoluere meaning to roll down or to transfer Meaning To t

• drop

  Etymology From Middle English droppe from Old English dropa ddropa drop small porti

• degrade

  Etymology The word degrade comes from the late Latin degradare which means to step

• decay

  Etymology Middle English decaien from Old French decaoir from Latin decadere decide

• contamination

  Etymology Latin contaminare Meaning To defile pollute or make unclean Origin Th

• fatigue

  Etymology Middle English fatigate from Latin fatigare to weary from fat stem of