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Baldness Meaning: Definition and Examples

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baldness

[ˈbɔːld.nəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

hair loss

Baldness refers to the condition of having little or no hair on the scalp. It can occur in various forms, including complete hair loss or thinning hair. Baldness is commonly associated with aging and can be influenced by genetic factors.

Synonyms

alopecia, hair loss, hairlessness.

Examples of usage

  • His baldness became noticeable in his early thirties.
  • She embraced her baldness and felt confident without hair.
  • Many men experience some degree of baldness as they age.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perception

  • In some cultures, baldness is seen as a sign of wisdom and authority, often associated with older adults.
  • Pop culture often embraces baldness, with celebrities like Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Bruce Willis showing how it can be chic and confident.

Health and Biology

  • Genetic factors largely influence baldness; certain genes inherited from parents can lead to hair loss.
  • Conditions like alopecia can cause hair loss in patches or total baldness, affecting people of all ages.

Historical Representation

  • In ancient Egypt, baldness was common due to head shaving for cleanliness, and wigs were often worn as a beauty standard.
  • Medieval artwork sometimes depicted bald clergy, representing piety and devotion, showcasing how baldness was culturally significant.

Psychological Impact

  • Some studies show that bald individuals may experience lower self-esteem due to societal beauty standards favoring hair.
  • Conversely, baldness can also be viewed positively, where individuals embrace their look as a form of self-acceptance and confidence.

Origin of 'baldness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Old English 'beald,' meaning bald or bare, reflecting the absence of hair.
  • In Middle English, 'bald' was associated with being 'empty' or 'devoid of something' which gradually became tied to hair loss.

The word 'baldness' originates from the Old English term 'bald', which means 'lacking hair' or 'bare'. This root can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *baldate, which is related to similar terms in other Germanic languages that refer to a lack of hair or covering. Throughout history, baldness has held various social meanings and perceptions, often associated with wisdom, age, or power. In some cultures, a clean-shaven head has been viewed as a sign of nobility, while in others, it may symbolize loss or decline. The modern understanding of baldness encompasses both physical and psychological aspects, as many individuals cope with societal pressures and personal feelings regarding their appearance.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,207, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.