We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more

Subscriber login

Library card login

Other

X Close menu

Dictionary Language resources

effete

Pronunciation: /ɪˈfiːt/

Translate effete | into German | into Italian

Definition of effete

adjective

affected, over-refined, and ineffectual:effete trendies from art college
no longer capable of effective action:the authority of an effete aristocracy began to dwindle
(of a man) weak or effeminate: he chatted away, exercising his rather effete charm

Derivatives

effetely
effeteness

Origin:

early 17th century (in the sense 'no longer fertile'): from Latin effetus 'worn out by bearing young', from ex- 'out' + fetus 'breeding'; related to fetus