Decadently describes something done in a way that is characterized by excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury, often to the point of moral or cultural decline. It implies a luxurious, self-indulgent, and often extravagant lifestyle, focusing on aesthetic pleasures and a refined sensory experience. This lifestyle frequently involves a departure from traditional values or simplicity, embracing opulence and sensual gratification. The word carries connotations of a refined, yet potentially corrupt, sensibility, and is often associated with a decline in moral standards and a sense of weariness with conventional norms. It can relate to art, food, fashion, and overall lifestyles, emphasizing a heightened awareness of beauty and sensation.
Decadently meaning with examples
- The wealthy socialite lived decadently, hosting lavish parties with exotic cuisine and flowing champagne. Her mansion, overflowing with priceless artwork and antique furniture, exemplified a life dedicated to extravagant indulgence. Critics noted the decadently designed interiors, with gold leaf accents and velvet drapes, showcasing a lifestyle removed from the struggles of everyday life and hinting towards a moral decline.
- They dined decadently on truffle-infused risotto and champagne, each course a testament to their wealth. The ambiance, a dimly lit restaurant with live classical music, further enhanced the luxurious experience. Their decadent meals, served on fine china, and enjoyed at leisure, represented an escape from the mundane and a pursuit of pure sensory pleasure, almost entirely unaffected by financial concerns.
- The artist, influenced by the decadently styled fin de siècle, produced paintings depicting languid figures surrounded by elaborate, sensual imagery. Their art focused on the pursuit of beauty, often portraying themes of eroticism and melancholy. The decadently constructed scenes, reflecting a refined sense of aestheticism, expressed a weariness with the conventional, embracing a pursuit of purely aesthetic pleasure.
- The novel explored a fictional society's descent into decadent behaviour. Characters, immersed in lavish lifestyles, engaged in excessive spending and moral degradation. The plot illustrated the corrosive effects of wealth and luxury, as traditional values eroded in favor of hedonistic pursuits. The novel's focus on the decadently behaved characters, with their lack of discipline, served as a warning against excessive indulgence and moral decay.