spirit of decadence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spirit of decadence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a cultural or artistic movement characterized by a sense of moral decline or indulgence in excess. Example: "The novel captures the spirit of decadence that permeated the late 19th century, reflecting the hedonistic lifestyle of its characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

She cultivated a spirit of decadence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Couperus's novels show a rare versatility of style and genre, ranging from the French-influenced realism of his first and best-known, Eline vere (1889; Eng. trans., 1892), dealing with contemporary life in The Hague, to the fin-de-siècle spirit of luxurious decadence of Extaze (1892; Ecstasy) and De berg van licht (1906; "The Mountain of Light").

Encyclopedia Britannica

Edge: a Decade of Decadence, a DVD documentary of Copeland's life, was released in December 2008.

Wikipedia

Its working title was Decade of Decadence until Mötley Crüe registered the name.

Wikipedia

If that doesn't scream Decade of Decadence, well, I'm not really sure what does.

Huffington Post

Still, the whiff of decadence is strong.

The New Yorker

In some respects, the notion of decadence was as integral as decadence itself.

The New Yorker

Desire Under the Elms (1924) presents a harsh analysis of decadence in the sexual and avaricious intrigues of a New England farmer's family, unrelieved by manifestations of the transcendent human spirit.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I couldn't believe the depth of decadence.

The New Yorker

After all, this was a century of decadence.

Independent

And no one seemed to find it ironic to celebrate a riot that marked the end of decadence with … decadence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spirit of decadence" to evoke a specific historical period or cultural movement known for its moral decline and extravagance. For example, the late Roman Empire or the French court before the revolution.

Common error

Avoid using "spirit of decadence" to describe simple pleasures or temporary lapses in judgment. The phrase implies a deeper, more pervasive cultural or moral decay, not just enjoying a fancy dessert.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spirit of decadence" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It describes a prevailing mood or characteristic that embodies moral decline and excessive indulgence, according to Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spirit of decadence" is a noun phrase used to characterize a pervasive mood of moral decline and excessive indulgence. While grammatically correct, Ludwig indicates its usage is relatively rare. This phrase is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, fitting into a neutral to formal register. Consider alternative phrases like "air of moral decay" or "essence of decay" to add variety. The phrase should be used to describe substantial cultural or moral deterioration rather than trivial instances of self-indulgence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

air of moral decay

Replaces "spirit" with "air" and "decadence" with "moral decay", focusing on the perceptible atmosphere.

essence of decay

Substitutes "spirit" with "essence" and "decadence" with "decay", highlighting the fundamental nature of decline.

atmosphere of decline

Replaces "spirit" with "atmosphere" and "decadence" with "decline", emphasizing a gradual deterioration.

mood of excess

Focuses on the excessive nature of decadence, replacing "spirit" with "mood".

culture of indulgence

Shifts the focus to a culture that promotes excessive pleasure and luxury.

zeitgeist of corruption

Uses "zeitgeist" to indicate the defining spirit or mood of a particular period linked to corruption.

legacy of depravity

Highlights the lasting impact of immoral or wicked behavior.

undercurrent of immorality

Suggests a hidden or underlying presence of immoral behavior.

climate of moral laxity

Indicates a relaxed or permissive attitude towards moral standards.

sign of societal collapse

Frames decadence as an indicator of a larger societal breakdown.

FAQs

How can I use "spirit of decadence" in a sentence?

You can use "spirit of decadence" to describe an era or a social group marked by moral decline and excessive indulgence. For example: "The novel captured the "spirit of decadence" that permeated the late 19th century."

What's the difference between "spirit of decadence" and "moral decay"?

"Spirit of decadence" often implies a cultural or widespread phenomenon of moral decline coupled with extravagance. "Moral decay" is a more general term that describes the decline of moral standards without necessarily implying extravagance.

Is "spirit of decadence" a positive or negative term?

"Spirit of decadence" is generally a negative term, as it refers to moral decline and excessive self-indulgence. However, it can be used neutrally to describe a historical period or artistic movement characterized by these traits.

What are some alternative phrases for "spirit of decadence"?

Some alternative phrases include "air of moral decay", "essence of decay", or "atmosphere of decline", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.