Depravity
DEPRAVITY, noun
1. Corruption; a vitiated state; as the depravity of manners and morals.
2. A vitiated state of the heart; wickedness; corruption of moral principles; destitution of holiness or good principles.
Deviate
DEVIATE, verb intransitive [Latin , way.]
1. To turn aside or wander from the common or right way, course or line, either in a literal or figurative sense; as, to deviate from the common track or path, or from a true course.
There nature deviates, and here wanders will.
2. To stray from the path of duty; to wander, in a moral sense; to err; to sin.
What does the noun depravity mean?
There are four meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun depravity, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
Entry status
OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.
What does the noun deviate mean?
There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun deviate. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.
Entry status
OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.
We might or might not agree with Noah Webster’s 1928 definition, and clearly definitions change as Oxford tends to subscribe. But what are the intentions behind the definitions, and what is Oxford hiding?
definition depravity
Depravity
refers to the state or quality of being corrupt, evil, or perverted. It describes a moral perversion or the impairment of virtue and moral principles. It can also refer to a corrupt or depraved act or practice.
Essentially, depravity signifies a profound lack of morality and a disposition toward wickedness.
Key Aspects of Depravity:
Moral Corruption: Depravity involves the deterioration or distortion of moral principles, leading to wicked and unethical behavior.
Wickedness and Evil: It is associated with acts and intentions that are considered evil or morally wrong.
Perversion: Depravity implies a distortion or turning away from what is considered natural or right.
Lack of Morals or Values: Individuals exhibiting depravity often lack a strong moral compass or a regard for the well-being of others.
Theological Context:
In theology, the term "total depravity" refers to the doctrine that, as a result of the Fall, humanity is enslaved to sin and unable to choose to follow God or refrain from evil without divine grace. This doctrine highlights the pervasive impact of sin on all aspects of human nature.
Legal Context:
In legal contexts, phrases like "depravity of mind" can be used to describe a high degree of moral turpitude and mental depravity associated with particularly heinous crimes, indicating a complete disregard for human dignity and life. For instance, "depraved heart murder" is a legal term describing a situation where an individual causes death through reckless conduct demonstrating a complete indifference to human life.
AI responses may include mistakes. AI generation
definition deviate
Deviate
means to turn aside or wander from a customary or prescribed course, direction, standard, or topic. It can be used in both a literal sense (like deviating from a road) and a figurative sense (like deviating from a plan or a principle).
Here are some ways to understand the term:
Turning Aside: It implies a departure from a straight or expected path.
Straying from a Norm: It means to depart from an established standard or behavior.
Going a Different Way: It suggests doing something different or not planned.
Examples:
The plane had to deviate from its scheduled route due to bad weather.
He rarely deviates from his usual routine of drinking coffee with breakfast.
Her behavior tends to deviate from the norm, making her stand out in social situations.
If the directions are deviated from, you will probably get lost.
"Deviate" can function as a verb, or as a noun (a deviate, meaning someone who deviates from a norm, especially in terms of behavior). The noun form, especially when referring to someone whose sexual behavior departs from the norm, can carry negative connotations.
Synonyms include: diverge, digress, swerve, veer, depart, and stray.
AI responses may include mistakes. AI generated
So, things really do change, but not like we think. A word is just a word, the spell we cast is the only power it has. Who’s definition is it? Seems obvious.
To name a thing is to make it so.
I know times are a changing, but AI concerns me.