How Do You Spell DESUETUDE?

Pronunciation: [dɪsjˈuːətjˌuːd] (IPA)

Desuetude (dɛsjuːtjuːd) is a noun that means the state of disuse or being no longer used. Its spelling comes from the Latin roots "des-" meaning the lack of, and "uetus" meaning old or ancient. The "-tude" ending is a suffix used to create nouns from adjectives, meaning "the condition or state of being." Thus, desuetude describes the condition of something that has become old and obsolete, no longer in use, or fallen out of practice.

DESUETUDE Meaning and Definition

1. Desuetude is a noun that refers to the state of inactivity or disuse of something that was once customary or common. It describes the condition or quality of being obsolete or out of practice.

   The term is often applied to legal or traditional practices and customs that have fallen out of favor or have become obsolete over time. It implies that a custom or law has become unenforced, disregarded, or unused due to lack of interest, changing circumstances, or a shift in societal values.

   Desuetude can also be used in a broader context to describe the fading away or loss of a particular habit, skill, or tradition in society. It implies that something that was once commonly practiced or followed is no longer in use or has become antiquated.

   The word derives from the Latin term "desuetudo" which means "disuse" or "inactivity." Desuetude is often associated with the gradual erosion or abandonment of laws or regulations that are no longer considered relevant or necessary.

   In summary, desuetude refers to the state of being inactive or obsolete, particularly in reference to legal or customary practices. It conveys the idea that something has gone out of use or has become disregarded due to changes in society or lack of interest.

2. Disuse; the cessation of use; discontinuance of a custom or practice.

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

Common Misspellings for DESUETUDE

• destitude
• desuetide
• desutude
• desuteude
• asuetudes
• desuetoode
• desutide

Etymology of DESUETUDE

The word "desuetude" has Latin origins. It comes from the Latin phrase "de" meaning "down from" or "away from" and "sues-", the stem of "suescere" meaning "to become accustomed". In Latin, "desuetudo" referred to the state of something that had fallen out of use or become disused. This Latin term was later borrowed into medieval French as "desuetude", and subsequently adopted into English in the 16th century.