How Do You Spell DECAY?

Pronunciation: [dɪkˈe͡ɪ] (IPA)

The word "decay" is spelled with the letters D-E-C-A-Y. The phonetic transcription for "decay" is /dɪˈkeɪ/. The first syllable "di" sounds like "dih" and is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The second syllable "kay" sounds like "kay" and is pronounced with a long "a" sound. This word refers to the gradual deterioration of something, either physically or morally. Understanding the phonetic transcription of English words can greatly improve your pronunciation skills.

DECAY Meaning and Definition

  1. Decay is a noun or verb that refers to the gradual deterioration or decomposition of an object, substance, or living organism over time. This natural process involves the breaking down or disintegration of materials, leading to a state of decline, weakness, or destruction.

    As a verb, "decay" describes the transformative actions of decomposing or rotting, resulting in the loss of physical integrity or strength. It often occurs due to the activity of microorganisms, such as fungi or bacteria, that feed on organic matter. Decay can affect various things, including food, wood, teeth, or even larger structures like buildings.

    In a broader sense, decay also refers to the decline or deterioration of something non-tangible, such as morals, values, or institutions. This decay in social or cultural aspects can involve the erosion of traditional behaviors, standards, or beliefs, leading to a state of moral decline or decadence.

    As a noun, decay signifies the state or process of decaying. It describes the progressive loss of quality, effectiveness, or vitality. For instance, the decay of a painting refers to its gradual deterioration in color or condition. Similarly, societal decay implies the decline or degradation of social structures, organizations, or values.

    Overall, decay encompasses the natural breakdown or degeneration of physical and abstract entities, reflecting the inherent impermanence and transitory nature of life.

  2. 1. The destruction of an organic substance by slow combustion, or gradual oxidation. 2. Putrefaction. 3. To deteriorate, to undergo slow combustion or putrefaction.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • Decaying.
    • To become less perfect; to fail; to decline; to waste away.
    • A gradual failure; decline of fortune; corruption.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DECAY

Etymology of DECAY

The word decay originated from the Old French word decaïr, which was derived from the Latin word decadere. The Latin term decadere is a combination of the prefix de, meaning down or away, and cadere, meaning to fall. Thus, decay originally meant to fall away or to decline.

Idioms with the word DECAY

  • fall into decay The idiom "fall into decay" refers to the gradual deterioration or decline of something, typically a building, infrastructure, or any other object or system, resulting from neglect, lack of maintenance, or the passage of time. It implies a state of decline characterized by decay, disrepair, or a loss of functionality.

Similar spelling words for DECAY

Conjugate verb Decay

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have decayed
you would have decayed
he/she/it would have decayed
we would have decayed
they would have decayed
I would have decay
you would have decay
he/she/it would have decay
we would have decay
they would have decay

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been decaying
you would have been decaying
he/she/it would have been decaying
we would have been decaying
they would have been decaying

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would decay
you would decay
he/she/it would decay
we would decay
they would decay

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be decaying
you would be decaying
he/she/it would be decaying
we would be decaying
they would be decaying

FUTURE

I will decay
you will decay
he/she/it will decay
we will decay
they will decay

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be decaying
you will be decaying
he/she/it will be decaying
we will be decaying
they will be decaying

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have decayed
you will have decayed
he/she/it will have decayed
we will have decayed
they will have decayed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been decaying
you will have been decaying
he/she/it will have been decaying
we will have been decaying
they will have been decaying

IMPERATIVE

you decay
we let´s decay

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to decay

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was decaying
you were decaying
he/she/it was decaying
we were decaying
they were decaying

PAST PARTICIPLE

decayed

PAST PERFECT

I had decayed
you had decayed
he/she/it had decayed
we had decayed
they had decayed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been decaying
you had been decaying
he/she/it had been decaying
we had been decaying
they had been decaying

PRESENT

I decay
you decay
he/she/it decays
we decay
they decay

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am decaying
you are decaying
he/she/it is decaying
we are decaying
they are decaying

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

decaying

PRESENT PERFECT

I have decayed
you have decayed
he/she/it has decayed
we have decayed
they have decayed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been decaying
you have been decaying
he/she/it has been decaying
we have been decaying
they have been decaying

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it decay

SIMPLE PAST

I decayed
you decayed
he/she/it decayed
we decayed
they decayed

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