Chipped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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chipped
[tʃɪpt ]
Definitions
physical damage
Chipped refers to an object that has been damaged by having a small piece broken off or removed from its surface. This term is often used to describe ceramics, glass, or other materials that can lose a fragment due to impact or wear.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The chipped mug was still usable.
- She noticed the chipped paint on the wall.
- He bought a chipped vase at the flea market.
past tense
Chipped is the past tense of the verb chip. It refers to the act of breaking off a small piece from something, often resulting in damage. This can happen to items such as wood, metal, or other materials.
Synonyms
broke, fragmented, splintered.
Examples of usage
- I chipped the stone while carving.
- He accidentally chipped the edge of the table.
- They chipped away at the old paint.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In pottery and dishware, a chipped item is often considered less valuable, yet it can hold sentimental value, reminding us of memories associated with it.
- Some cultures embrace imperfections, treating chipped or cracked pottery as 'kintsugi', a philosophy that finds beauty in breakage.
Psychology
- People often have emotional attachments to chipped objects, viewing them as symbols of life experiences or nostalgia.
- Studies show that our perception of beauty can be influenced by the context of how an object was damaged, often invoking a story.
Art and Design
- Chipped objects can inspire artists, leading to the creation of works that celebrate imperfections, echoed in the 'Wabi-sabi' philosophy embracing transience and imperfection.
- Fashion trends may utilize distressed designs, including deliberately chipped or worn looks to convey a sense of history and authenticity.
Material Science
- In construction materials, chips can indicate stress points, leading engineers to examine structural integrity.
- Certain coatings are designed to be resistant to chipping, particularly in high-impact environments, enhancing durability and aesthetics.
Origin of 'chipped'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the verb 'chip', which dates back to the 15th century and originally meant to break off a small piece.
- The word evolved from the Middle English term 'chippen', related to the Old English word 'ceorfan', which means 'to carve' or 'to cut'.
The word 'chipped' originates from the Middle English word 'chippen', which itself has roots in Old English 'cippian', meaning to cut or to cleave. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the specific idea of breaking off small pieces from a larger object. This transformation in meaning coincided with developments in crafts and trade during the Middle Ages, where the necessity of shaping materials such as wood and stone became prominent. The word has remained in use for centuries, adapting to various contexts, including pottery and porcelain. Today, 'chipped' is widely understood in both everyday language and specific contexts related to repairs and restoration.