Definition and Pronunciation
Depraved (pronounced: /dɪˈpreɪvd/) is an adjective that describes someone or something as morally corrupt, wicked, or extremely immoral. It often suggests behavior that is shockingly evil, cruel, or perverse.
Easy Explanation
If a person or act is “depraved,” it means they are very bad, lacking normal moral values, and often doing things that society considers wicked or disgusting.
Grammatical Formation
- Base form: depraved (adjective)
- Comparative: more depraved
- Superlative: most depraved
- Related forms: depravity (noun), depravedly (adverb)
Word Comparisons
- Depraved vs. sinful: both suggest moral wrong, but “depraved” is stronger, implying corruption or perversion.
- Depraved vs. wicked: “wicked” can be light or playful (“wicked sense of humor”), while “depraved” is always serious and negative.
- Depraved vs. evil: both are extreme, but “depraved” emphasizes corruption and loss of morality.
Meaning with Prepositions
- Depraved by: indicates the cause of corruption (depraved by greed).
- Depraved in: identifies the area of corruption (depraved in his actions).
- Depraved of: less common, but can imply lacking moral sense (deprived and depraved of conscience).
Real-Life Examples
- The movie portrayed a depraved criminal mastermind.
- He was known for his depraved acts of violence.
- Society feared the depraved influence of organized crime.
- That novel explores the depraved side of human nature.
Synonyms
corrupt, wicked, perverse, debased, vile, immoral, degenerate, evil, vicious, nefarious
Antonyms
virtuous, noble, righteous, moral, pure, good, ethical, decent
Related Terms
- Depravity – the state of being morally corrupt.
- Degenerate – morally or physically declined.
- Perverse – deliberately choosing what is wrong or immoral.
- Vicious – cruel or evil.
Common Collocations
- depraved mind
- depraved acts
- depraved character
- morally depraved
- utterly depraved
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- Depraved heart: legal term in criminal law for reckless disregard for human life.
- Depraved indifference: showing extreme lack of concern for morality or consequences.
Sample Sentences
- The dictator’s depraved policies caused immense suffering.
- He took pleasure in depraved cruelty toward others.
- Some horror films glorify the most depraved forms of violence.
- The novel tells of a depraved society collapsing from within.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, “depraved” is often used to describe sexual behavior that is seen as corrupt, perverse, or morally unacceptable. For example, crimes involving abuse or exploitation are often labeled “depraved acts.” In older moralistic language, even consensual but taboo practices might be called depraved. In modern times, the word is mostly reserved for extreme immorality or cruelty, especially sexual violence.
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