Pronunciation: [blˈa͡ɪtɪd] (IPA) 
The word "blighted" is spelled with a silent "g" and pronounced as /blaɪtɪd/. The "gh" in the middle of the word does not produce any sound and is just a remnant of the Old English spelling. The correct pronunciation can be achieved by sounding out the rest of the letters in the word. Blighted means damaged or spoiled and is commonly used to describe land that has been adversely affected by disease or neglect.
Blighted, as an adjective, refers to something that is adversely affected or ruined by physical, environmental, or social factors. It signifies a state of decay, deterioration, or desolation. This term is commonly used to describe areas or properties that have experienced significant decline, neglect, or destruction in terms of their physical appearance, quality, or functionality.
In the context of physical surroundings, a blighted area often exhibits noticeable signs of dilapidation, abandonment, or lack of maintenance, such as rundown buildings, overgrown vegetation, or empty lots. This term can also be applied to describe the condition of land that has been contaminated or impaired due to pollution, industrial activities, or natural disasters.
Furthermore, blighted can be employed to describe social or economic circumstances that negatively impact a community or a particular group of people. For example, an area with a high unemployment rate, poverty, or crime rates might be considered blighted. It can also be used more broadly to denote the detrimental effects of societal issues like discrimination, inequality, or inadequate access to basic services or infrastructure.
In summary, the term blighted portrays a state of ruin or deterioration, whether referring to physical spaces or social conditions, highlighting the adverse effects that various factors can have on the well-being or sustainability of a place or community.
The word "blighted" traces its origins back to the Old English period, specifically from the word "blītan" or "blētan", meaning "to spoil, blight". This Old English verb derived from the Proto-Germanic root "*bleitaz", which conveyed the notion of something withering or becoming pale. The Proto-Germanic root itself can be traced even further back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*bhlē-" or "*bhel-", which meant "to thrive, bloom". Over time, the meaning of "blighted" evolved to refer to something that is damaged, ruined, or suffering from a destructive influence.
