Main Entry:: ef·fete
Pronunciation:: \e-ˈfēt, i-\
Function:: adjective
Etymology:: Latin effetus, from ex- + fetus fruitful — more at feminine
Date:: 1660

1: no longer fertile2 a: having lost character, vitality, or strength <the effete monarchies…of feudal Europe — G. M. Trevelyan> b: marked by weakness or decadence <the effete East> c: soft or delicate from or as if from a pampered existence <peddled…trendy tweeds to effete Easterners — William Helmer> <effete tenderfeet> ; also : characteristic of an effete person <a wool scarf…a bit effete on an outdoorsman — Nelson Bryant>3: effeminate 1 <a good-humored, effete boy brought up by maiden aunts — Herman Wouk>

— ef·fete·ly adverb

— ef·fete·ness noun

Learn more about "effete" and related topics at Britannica.com

See a map of "effete" in the Visual Thesaurus

Find Jobs in Your City

Pronunciation Symbols