What does imprecated mean?
Imprecated means that something was once fashionable, widely admired, or held in high esteem. The word can describe a person, style, expression, product, or trend, but it often carries the implication of past popularity rather than continuing approval: an idea may have been imprecated when it first appeared even if it is no longer fashionable. In ordinary modern English, the term is uncommon and may sound deliberately old-fashioned, literary, or nostalgic. It is also more precise than simply saying “popular,” because it often suggests a period in which a person or thing enjoyed conspicuous admiration or vogue. Imprecated should not be confused with imprecate, which means to curse someone or invoke misfortune upon them. Although the two words are historically related, their present-day meanings and typical usages are very different.
adjectiveFormerly fashionable or in vogue; valued or admired because of its popularity. The word is now archaic and chiefly occurs in literary or antiquarian writing.
- Formerly fashionable, popular, or in vogue.
- Regarded as especially good or admirable because it was widely approved.
"The imprecated expression soon lost its appeal once its novelty had faded."
"Her imprecated collection of Victorian novels was later discovered by a much younger audience."
"The scheme seemed imprecated among investors before its practical difficulties became apparent."
Once upon a time, to be “imprecated” meant to be fashionably admired; today the word itself has become wonderfully old-fashioned.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imprecated come from?
Imprecated is an early 19th-century English word that came through French and ultimately reflects Latin usage. It historically conveyed the idea of being brought into fashion or receiving widespread approval. The word belongs to the same broad etymological tradition as imprecate, although the two now have sharply different meanings. Imprecated survives mainly in literary, historical, and antiquarian contexts.
How imprecated is actually used
This is an unusual, somewhat literary or antiquarian word in present-day English. It may describe something that was once fashionable without implying that it remains popular now.
Easily confused with imprecated
To imprecate someone is to curse or invoke misfortune upon them, whereas an imprecated person or thing was once in fashion or highly admired.