Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˌdɛlɪˈtɪəɹɪəs/

Definitions

• Having a harmful or damaging effect; injurious.
• Destructive or detrimental, especially to health or well-being.

Usage Examples

• "The chemicals in the air are deleterious to our health."
• "The late-night lifestyle has deleterious effects on one's physical and mental state."
• "Excessive use of social media can have deleterious consequences on one's social skills."

Etymology

From the Latin word "deleterius", meaning "destructive," derived from "deleterius" (damaging, harmful), from "delere" (to destroy). The term began appearing in English in the early 17th century.

Synonyms

• Harmful
• Injurious
• Damaging
• Detrimental
• Destructive

Antonyms

• Beneficial
• Helpful
• Advantageous
• Favorable
• Conducive

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "deleterious" may slightly vary across English dialects. For example, in British English, the stress may be placed on the first syllable, while in American English, it often carries a more even stress.

Historical Usage

The term "deleterious" began to appear in English texts in the early 17th century, primarily used to describe things that were harmful, especially to health. It was rooted in classical Latin and has maintained its meaning of "destructive" or "harmful" throughout history.

Cultural Nuances

In modern usage, "deleterious" often carries a technical or formal tone, especially in scientific and health contexts. It is frequently used in discussions about environmental effects, medical conditions, or policies that may have negative impacts on society or individuals.

More Information

The word "deleterious" is commonly used in both everyday language and specialized fields such as medicine, environmental science, and law. Its broad application refers to anything that causes harm or damage, whether it’s a physical injury, psychological trauma, or detrimental environmental impact. In science and medicine, it’s used to describe agents or processes that are harmful to living organisms or ecosystems. The term underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing harmful factors in both the natural and social environments. The widespread use of "deleterious" in various disciplines reflects its lasting relevance in conveying the idea of harm or damage in multiple contexts.