degenerare
/de.d͡ʒe.neˈra.re/
The English phrase 'degenerate' is translated into Italian as degenerare.
The verb degenerare is used to describe something that has deteriorated, degraded or fallen from its normal state.
Meaning: having deteriorated, degraded or fallen from normal (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 'degenerate' as an adjective or a past participle, use the form degenerato. If you want to refer to the process of degenerating (the noun 'degeneration'), use degenerazione.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /de.dʒe.neˈra.re/. It has five syllables, with the stress on the fourth syllable.
Did you know?
- The verb degenerare is the standard way for Italians to describe a social situation, such as a polite dinner or a protest, that suddenly turns into chaos or violence.
- The term degenerato is frequently employed in Italian political journalism to criticize figures who have abandoned traditional values, giving it a specific ideological flavor.
- The word degenerare comes from the Latin 'dēgenerāre', which literally meant to be born from a different or inferior stock.
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are watching a heated argument in the street.
- MatteoGuarda, stanno iniziando a gridare.Look, they are starting to shout.
- ChiaraSpero che non faccia degenerare le cose.I hope he doesn't make things degenerate.
- MatteoHai ragione, è meglio allontanarsi.You are right, it is better to move away.
- ChiaraAndiamo via prima che succeda qualcosa.Let's leave before something happens.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry degenerare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries degenerare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
