Literary notes about deteriorate (AI summary)
In literature the term "deteriorate" is often used to evoke the gradual decline or decay of a subject, whether that be a physical object, a moral character, or even a societal condition. It captures the notion that without proper care or due attention, beauty, vigour, or integrity can slowly erode, as seen when beauty is said to diminish after disturbance [1] or when the very hull of a structure begins to give way with use [2]. Similarly, it describes not only the physical degradation of materials but also symbolizes the erosion of ethical or intellectual qualities, warning that neglect or corrupting influences may cause one’s character to decline [3, 4]. This nuanced usage underscores literature’s broader themes of impermanence and the inevitable decay that comes with time.