Rotten

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -É’tÉ™n

Origin

From Middle English roten, from Old Norse rotinn ("decayed, rotten"), past participle of an unrecorded verb related to Old Norse rotna ("to rot") and Old English rotian ("to rot"). More at rot.

Full definition of rotten

Adjective

1. Of perishable items, overridden with bacteria and other infectious agents.If you leave a bin unattended for a few weeks, the rubbish inside will turn rotten.
2. In a state of decay.The floors were damaged and the walls were rotten.His mouth stank and his teeth were rotten.
3. Cruel, mean or immoral.That man is a rotten father.This rotten policy will create more injustice in this country.
4. Bad or terrible.Why is the weather always rotten in this city?It was a rotten idea to take the boat out today.She has the flu and feels rotten.

Usage notes

Nouns to which "rotten" is often applied: wood, food, egg, meat, fruit, tomato, apple, banana, milk, vegetable, stuff, tooth, smell, person, kid, bastard, scoundrel, weather.

Adverb

1. To an extreme degree.That kid is spoilt rotten.The girls fancy him something rotten.

Anagrams

• Trento