Effete

Adjective

Definition: Lacking vitality, energy, or strength; depleted or exhausted.

Definition: Over-refined and decadent, often suggesting a loss of moral vigor.

Synonyms: Feeble, Weak, Enervated, Exhausted

Antonyms: Vigorous, Strong, Robust

Examples:

After years of intense training, the athlete felt effete and unable to compete at his previous level.
The once thriving empire had become effete, decadent, and lacking in innovation.

Mnemonics:

Think of "effete" as the opposite of "energetic" or "strong" - it denotes weakness or exhaustion.
Associate "effete" with "depleted" and "exhausted" to remember its meaning.

Etymology:

Origin:

From the Latin word "effetus" meaning "no longer fruitful," derived from "ex-" (out) + "fetus" (childbirth, offspring).

Historical Usage:

The term originated in the 17th century and initially referred to the concept of infertility or inability to produce offspring. Over time, it also gained metaphorical connotations of exhaustion or moral decline.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Effete intellectualism"

Explanation:

Refers to an intellectual or artistic style characterized by excessive refinement, abstraction, or decadence.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "effete" with "affect" or "effeminate".

Explanation:

While "effete" might sound similar to "affect" or evoke qualities associated with femininity, it has a distinct meaning related to weakness and exhaustion. It does not specifically pertain to gender or behavioral characteristics.