ROTTEN Meaning and
Definition
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Rotten is an adjective that describes something that is in a state of decay or decomposition. It refers to the physical deterioration and putrefaction of organic matter, typically resulting from the growth of bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms. When an object or substance is described as rotten, it means that it has undergone significant chemical changes, rendering it useless, unpleasant, or potentially harmful.
The term can also be applied metaphorically to characterize non-physical things such as ideas, behavior, or situations. In this context, rotten is used to convey the idea of being morally corrupt, spoiled, or morally degraded. For example, a rotten person may exhibit dishonesty, mean-spiritedness, or lack of integrity.
Furthermore, "rotten" can be used colloquially to describe something that is of poor quality or unsatisfactory. This informal usage suggests something that is undesirable, worthless, or disappointing. For instance, one might describe a rotten book as poorly written or a rotten movie as a film of low standard.
Overall, the term rotten signifies a state of decay, whether it's referring to physical decomposition, moral degradation, or the perception of poor quality. It conveys a negative connotation, emphasizing the diminished value or unpleasantness associated with the subject being described as rotten.
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• Putrid; corrupt; decomposed by the natural process of decay; having some defect in principle; treacherous.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ROTTEN *
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Other Common Misspellings for ROTTEN
Etymology of ROTTEN
The word "rotten" has its origins in Middle English. It is derived from the Old English word "rotian", meaning "to rot" or "decay". This Old English term is further related to the Proto-Germanic word "rutōną". The term "rutōną" had the same meaning of "to decay" or "to rot". Ultimately, both the Old English and Proto-Germanic words can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "reud-" meaning "to tear apart" or "destroy".
Idioms with the word ROTTEN
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spoil sb rotten
The idiom "spoil someone rotten" means to excessively or overly indulge and pamper someone, often leading to their bad behavior or a sense of entitlement. It can refer to showering someone with excessive material possessions, attention, or leniency, which may result in the person becoming spoiled or overly demanding.
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be rotten to the core
The idiom "be rotten to the core" means that someone or something is completely corrupt or morally depraved. It implies that the person or thing has deep-rooted flaws or wickedness that affects their entire being, making them irredeemably bad or corrupt.
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a bad/rotten apple
The idiom "a bad/rotten apple" refers to a person who is corrupt, dishonest, or morally rotten within a group or organization. It suggests that the individual's negative traits can have a detrimental influence on others around them, potentially affecting the overall integrity and reputation of the group.
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spoiled rotten
The idiom "spoiled rotten" is used to describe someone, typically a child, who has been overly indulged and has become accustomed to always getting their way. They have been excessively pampered and have little or no understanding of limits, boundaries, or the concept of gratitude.
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rotten to the core
The idiom "rotten to the core" means that someone or something is completely corrupt or morally lacking. It implies that the negative qualities or immoral behavior are not superficial or temporary, but deeply ingrained or inherent.
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rotten luck
The idiom "rotten luck" refers to a situation or series of events that is extremely unlucky or unfortunate. It denotes an unfortunate occurrence or an outcome that is disappointing or disheartening.
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rotten egg
The idiom "rotten egg" refers to a person or thing that is unpleasant, unpleasant-smelling, or of poor quality. It can also describe someone who behaves in a deceitful or untrustworthy manner.
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rotten apple
The idiom "rotten apple" refers to a person who negatively influences or corrupts a group, organization, or environment as a whole. It implies that the actions or behavior of one individual can spoil or negatively impact the reputation, integrity, or moral character of others.
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a rotten apple
The idiom "a rotten apple" refers to a person who is bad, corrupt, or dishonest, and whose negative behavior can influence or negatively affect others around them. It suggests that the negative traits or actions of one person can spoil or taint the entire group or organization.
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sth is rotten in (the state of) Denmark.
The idiom "something is rotten in (the state of) Denmark" originates from William Shakespeare's play, Hamlet. It refers to a situation or circumstance that appears to be superficially good or stable but contains underlying corruption, deceit, or unpleasantness. It implies that there is something fundamentally wrong or flawed in a particular situation or environment.
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rotten apple spoils the barrel
The idiom "a rotten apple spoils the barrel" is used to convey that a single bad or corrupt person can have a negative influence on an entire group or community. It suggests that the negativity, bad behavior, or unethical actions of one individual can spread and contaminate others, ultimately leading to the deterioration of the whole collective.
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Early ripe, early rotten,
Similar spelling words for ROTTEN
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