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ruin

noun

/ˈru ɪn/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of ruin

The state of destruction, decay, or disrepair of a building, structure, or place.
"The ancient ruin stood as a haunting reminder of a civilization long gone."

Detailed meaning of ruin

It represents the remnants or remains of something that was once whole or in a better condition. Ruins often evoke a sense of history, mystery, and the passage of time. They can be the result of natural disasters, war, neglect, or the gradual erosion of materials over time. Ruins can hold cultural, archaeological, or aesthetic significance, attracting visitors who are intrigued by their beauty or historical value. They can also serve as a metaphor for the decline or downfall of something, whether it be a physical entity or an abstract concept. Overall, the noun 'ruin' signifies a state of deterioration and carries connotations of loss, impermanence, and the traces of a bygone era.

Example sentences containing ruin

1. The storm left a trail of destruction, turning homes into ruins.
2. Exploring the ruins of the castle revealed glimpses of its former grandeur.
3. Time and neglect had reduced the once magnificent mansion to a crumbling ruin.
4. The archaeologists excavated the ruins, unearthing artifacts from centuries past.
5. The tourists marveled at the intricate carvings found in the temple ruin.
6. The ruin of the old factory was now home to graffiti artists and urban explorers.

History and etymology of ruin

The noun 'ruin,' denoting the state of destruction, decay, or disrepair of a building, structure, or place, has a fascinating etymology rooted in Latin. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'ruina,' which meant a collapse or downfall, particularly in the context of buildings or structures. 'Ruina' itself derived from 'ruere,' a Latin verb meaning to fall down or collapse. This association with falling or collapsing is at the core of the term 'ruin,' as it conveys the aftermath of such events. Over time, 'ruin' extended its meaning to encompass not only physical destruction but also the decline or deterioration of something to a state of disrepair or loss. This evolution of meaning reflects the natural progression from the literal sense of buildings falling to a broader sense of decay and ruin in various aspects of life.

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Further usage examples of ruin

1. The war-torn city was filled with ruins, a stark testament to the violence it had endured.
2. The explorer stumbled upon an undiscovered ruin hidden deep in the jungle.
3. The ruins of the ancient amphitheater provided a breathtaking backdrop for the concert.
4. The hiker came across the ruins of a small cottage, its walls barely standing.
5. Despite its dilapidated state, the ruin held an undeniable allure, drawing photographers and adventurers alike.
6. The ancient ruin stood silently in the moonlight, shrouded in mystery.
7. Time and neglect had reduced the once-grand mansion to a ruin.
8. Exploring the jungle, we stumbled upon a hidden temple ruin.
9. The hurricane left a trail of ruin in its wake, devastating homes.
10. Urban decay had turned the neighborhood into a desolate ruin.
11. Nature was slowly reclaiming the abandoned factory, turning it into a ruin.
12. A sense of melancholy hung over the medieval ruin, echoing its past glory.
13. The war-torn city bore the scars of conflict, its streets in ruin.
14. Despite its ruin, the castle remained an awe-inspiring sight.
15. The ruin of the shipwreck served as a haunting reminder of the sea's power.
16. The earthquake left the town in a state of ruin, with collapsed buildings.
17. Lost in the wilderness, we sought shelter in an old ruin.
18. The archaeological team uncovered an ancient Mayan ruin.
19. Time had weathered the coastal cliffs, turning them into a beautiful ruin.
20. The ruin of the monastery had an air of serene abandonment.
21. The photographer captured the haunting beauty of the desert ruin.
22. The ruin's crumbling walls whispered stories of bygone eras.
23. A sense of sadness washed over me as I gazed at the ruin.
24. The ruin's eerie silence was broken only by the wind's mournful howl.
25. Tourists marveled at the ruin's intricate stonework, marveling at its craftsmanship.