fabulous derelict mansion

[frindle]

Hello.

<Edward had a good life. He lived with his mum and dad in a fabulous derelict mansion. From his attic bedroom he enjoyed a fifteen kilometre view.~>

These are from a chapter book for children. I don't understand the underlined part. Doesn't 'derelict' mean 'not used in bad condition'?
Please help!!


not used or cared for and in bad condition

 

[bhaisahab]

Hello.

<Edward had a good life. He lived with his mum and dad in a fabulous derelict mansion. From his attic bedroom he enjoyed a fifteen kilometre view.~>

These are from a chapter book for children. I don't understand the underlined part. Doesn't 'derelict' mean 'not used in bad condition'?
Please help!!


not used or cared for and in bad condition

"Derelict" is a bad choice of words, "dilapidated" would be better.

 

[frindle]

Thanks your reply. But, can the word, derelict[or dilapidated], be used with fabulous or mansion? In the story, his father works for a big company in town and he has a good life every day.

 

[bhaisahab]

Thanks your reply. But, can the word, derelict[or dilapidated], be used with fabulous or mansion? In the story, his father works for a big company in town and he has a good life every day.

Yes, "dilapidated" could be used.
dilapidated - Definition of dilapidated adjective from Cambridge Dictionary Online: Free English Dictionary and Thesaurus

 

[Raymott]

Thanks your reply. But, can the word, derelict[or dilapidated], be used with fabulous or mansion? In the story, his father works for a big company in town and he has a good life every day.

I think the idea is that the mansion is so big and luxurious [spacious, ornate, surrounded by gardens ...] that it's fabulous even if it is derelict. Perhaps the family lives in only one wing.