Bedraggled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ง๏ธ
bedraggled
[bษชหdrรฆษกษld ]
Definitions
wet and dirty
Looking bedraggled, the poor stray dog wandered the streets in search of food and shelter. Her once fluffy fur was now matted and caked with mud, giving her a pitiful appearance.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bedraggled |
Use 'bedraggled' when something or someone looks very wet, dirty, and untidy, usually after being in the rain or mud. It often carries a sense of weariness or neglect.
|
| dirty |
Use 'dirty' for something that is covered with dirt, grime, or stains. It has a straightforward and general meaning, often without any extra emotional connotation.
|
| muddy |
Use 'muddy' specifically when something is covered with or filled with mud. It is often used for outdoor scenarios or when talking about soil and wet conditions.
|
| untidy |
Use 'untidy' when something is not neat, organized, or orderly. It can refer to physical spaces, appearance, or situations.
|
Examples of usage
- The bedraggled hiker finally made it to the shelter after getting caught in a downpour.
- She emerged from the storm, bedraggled and exhausted, but grateful to be alive.
to make something wet and dirty
The heavy rain bedraggled her hair, causing the carefully styled curls to lose their shape and become limp.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| bedraggled |
To describe someone or something that is dirty and wet, often appearing untidy. Typically used in a negative or pitiable sense.
|
| drench |
To describe a complete covering or soaking with liquid, especially water. Often implied that it happened suddenly and thoroughly.
|
| soak |
To describe the process of becoming completely wet by being immersed in liquid for a period of time. It can be used for both intentional and unintentional scenarios.
|
| saturate |
To describe something that is completely soaked with liquid to the point that it cannot absorb any more. Often used in a more technical or precise sense.
|
Examples of usage
- The children gleefully bedraggled each other by splashing in the puddles after the storm.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Charles Dickens used 'bedraggled' in his works to convey the state of unfortunate characters, often evoking sympathy.
- In children's stories, bedraggled characters often represent those who have had a difficult journey but are lovable nonetheless.
- The concept appears frequently in tales about transformation, where the bedraggled figure eventually finds hope or happiness.
Pop Culture
- In movies, characters portrayed in a bedraggled state often symbolize a journey through hardship or adventure, leading to character growth.
- The term is frequently used in cartoons where characters get caught in rain or mud, emphasizing their comic misfortunes.
- Popular songs reference 'bedraggled' to describe emotional struggles or moments of vulnerability.
Psychology
- Being in a bedraggled state can reflect emotional distress or fatigue, often linked to stress or overwhelm.
- Psychologists suggest that a personโs physical appearance can influence self-esteem, making a bedraggled look potentially impact mood.
- This idea aligns with the 'broken window theory' in psychology, where disheveled appearances can indicate larger issues in lifestyle or mental health.
Cultural References
- In various cultures, a bedraggled appearance is often a symbol of resilience, representing a person who has faced challenges.
- Folktales across the globe tell of bedraggled heroes or heroines who are judged by their outward appearance but surprise others with their inner strength.
- Art often depicts bedraggled figures to illustrate themes of struggle and hope, making them relatable across different societies.
Origin of 'bedraggled'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'bedraggled' combines 'be-' (a prefix for being in a state) with 'draggled', which means to drag through mud.
- The term dates back to the 19th century and was popularized in literature to describe people or animals that were wet and dirty.
- It originally referred to garment conditions, painting a picture of clothes dragged through puddles.
The word 'bedraggled' originated from the combination of 'be-' (intensive prefix) and 'draggled' (past participle of 'draggle', meaning to make wet and dirty). It first appeared in the early 18th century in English literature, describing something soaked and dirty, typically in the context of rain or water.