Reading Theme:
Delinquent Definition: Payment & Behavior (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：misbehaving youth (delinquent)
delinquent
/dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/
adj.
Describes a young person who does minor bad things, like skipping school or vandalism, but isn't a serious criminal.
misbehaving youth
➕
/ˌmɪsbɪˈheɪvɪŋ juːθ/
adj.
Refers to a young person who engages in minor illegal or antisocial acts, such as truancy, vandalism, or petty theft, but not serious crimes.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'delinquere' (de- 'away' + linquere 'to leave') meaning 'to fail'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'de-lin-quent' = 'DEficient in LINk to rules, so QUENTly in trouble.'
📖 Example
The teacher was concerned about the delinquent student who often skipped class and got into fights.
The teacher was concerned about the delinquent student who often skipped class and got into fights.
🔗 Collocations
delinquent behavior – Actions that violate rules or laws, typically by minors
juvenile delinquent – A young person who commits minor crimes or antisocial acts
delinquent teenager – An adolescent who engages in misconduct
🔄 Synonyms
wayward (adj.) – Tending to behave badly or disobediently, often used for young people
truant (adj./n.) – A student who stays away from school without permission; also describes such behavior
mischievous (adj.) – Playfully annoying or causing minor trouble, often without malice
🚫 Antonyms
well-behaved (adj.) – Acting in a socially acceptable manner; obedient
law-abiding (adj.) – Following all laws and regulations; not breaking rules
diligent (adj.) – Hardworking and careful in tasks, especially schoolwork
🌱 Derivatives
delinquency (n.) – Minor crime or antisocial behavior, especially among young people
delinquently (adv.) – In a manner that fails to fulfill a duty or obligation
📖 Cultural Story
Originating from Latin legal term 'delinquere' (to fail), it entered English in the 15th century for those failing duties. In the 19th century, it was applied to juvenile offenders.
Meaning 2：overdue in payment (delinquent)
delinquent
/dɪˈlɪŋkwənt/
adj.
Describes someone who hasn't done what they were supposed to do, especially not paying money they owe, like a bill or tax.
overdue in payment
➕
/ˌoʊvərˈduː ɪn ˈpeɪmənt/
adj.
Describes a person or account that has failed to make a required payment or fulfill an obligation by the due date, often referring to bills, taxes, or loans.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He received a notice because his library book was three months delinquent.
He received a notice because his library book was three months delinquent.
🔗 Collocations
delinquent account – An account with an overdue payment
delinquent taxpayer – A person who fails to pay taxes on time
delinquent loan – A loan on which the borrower has missed payments
🔄 Synonyms
overdue (adj.) – Not paid or returned by the required time
past due (adj.) – Beyond the deadline for payment
defaulting (adj.) – Failing to meet a financial obligation
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
delinquency (n.) – The state of being overdue in payment or failing in duty
delinquently (adv.) – In a manner that is overdue or neglectful
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser