Word of the Day

: July 2, 2009

abject

adjective AB-jekt

What It Means

1 : sunk to or existing in a low state or condition

2 : very low in spirit or hope : wretched

3 : expressing or offered in a humble and often ingratiating spirit

abject in Context

Morris was in an abject and lonely state after Olivia left him -- but then he met Penny and his world brightened again.

Did You Know?

"Abject" comes from "abjectus," the past participle of the Latin verb "abicere," meaning "to cast off." Its original meaning in English was "cast off" or "rejected," but it is now used to refer more broadly to things in a low state or condition. "Abject" shares with "mean," "ignoble," and "sordid" the sense of being below the normal standards of human decency and dignity. "Abject" may imply degradation, debasement, or servility ("abject poverty"). "Mean" suggests having such repellent characteristics as small-mindedness, ill temper, or cupidity ("mean and petty satire"). "Ignoble" suggests a loss or lack of some essential high quality of mind or spirit ("an ignoble scramble after material possessions"). "Sordid" is stronger than all of these in stressing physical or spiritual degradation and lowness ("a sordid story of murder and revenge").