Cracked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cracked

[krรฆkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

egg

Damaged with lines on the surface, often caused by being broken or hit.

Synonyms

broken, damaged, split.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cracked

When something has small lines or fractures on the surface but is still mostly intact.

  • The ceramic mug got cracked when it fell from the table
  • The phone screen is cracked but it still works
damaged

When something has been harmed and is not in its original good condition but may still be usable to some degree.

  • The package was damaged during shipping but the contents are fine
  • The book's cover is damaged after getting wet
broken

When something is completely in pieces or not functioning as it should.

  • The remote control is broken and doesn't change channels anymore
  • Her favorite vase got broken during the move
split

When something is divided into parts, often referring to something that was once whole.

  • The board split in half after too much pressure was applied
  • They had a split in their friendship after the argument

Examples of usage

  • The cracked egg leaked yolk onto the counter.
  • She accidentally dropped the plate, leaving it cracked in several places.
Context #2 | Verb

voice

To break or damage something, such as a voice or a mirror, making lines appear.

Synonyms

break, fracture, shatter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cracked

Used when something has partially broken, creating a line or lines on the surface without splitting entirely.

  • She noticed the mirror was cracked
  • The foundation of the house has cracked due to the earthquake
break

A general term for when something is separated into pieces by force. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

  • Did you break the vase? She needs a break from work
shatter

Used when something breaks into many small pieces. Often used to describe glass or other fragile materials. It can also describe a state of extreme emotional upset.

  • The window shattered into a thousand pieces
  • Her confidence was shattered after the failure
fracture

Often used in medical contexts to describe a partial or complete break in a bone. It can also be used in a metaphorical sense.

  • He has a hairline fracture in his arm
  • The scandal caused a fracture in their friendship

Examples of usage

  • His voice cracked with emotion as he spoke about his loss.
  • She cracked the mirror while moving furniture around.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art & Culture

  • In visual arts, cracked surfaces can symbolize imperfection or the passage of time, often used to convey deeper meanings.
  • Some traditional Japanese pottery repair techniques embrace cracks, using gold to fill them, turning flaws into unique beauty (kintsugi).
  • The term has appeared in popular music and literature, often symbolizing emotional fragility or turmoil.

Psychology

  • The phrase 'cracked mind' often refers to someone dealing with a lot of stress or mental overload, reflecting how mental health can be compromised.
  • Cracks in oneโ€™s emotional armor, signaling vulnerabilities, can lead to personal growth when addressed.
  • The idea of 'cracks in identity' has been explored in narratives involving self-discovery and personal transformation.

Science

  • In materials science, cracks promote the study of structural integrity, as tiny fractures can indicate potential failures in materials.
  • Cracked surfaces can lead to increased surface area, affecting how substances interact with their environment, important in fields like chemistry.
  • Crack propagation is a significant subject in engineering, affecting everything from bridges to everyday items and their durability.

Everyday Usage

  • Common phrases like 'cracked the code' mean to solve a difficult puzzle or mystery, showcasing the word's versatility.
  • In slang, someone might say they are 'cracked' when feeling eccentric or acting out of the ordinary.
  • The concept of being 'cracked up' relates to laughter and joy, illustrating the lighter side of breaking things (like a serious moment).

Origin of 'cracked'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'cracked' comes from the old English word 'craecian', meaning to break.
  • In Middle English, it was used to describe both sounds and physical breaks, showing a connection with noise and damage.
  • Related words include 'crack,' which originally meant a sharp sound or to break, illustrating how sound and physical state are linked.

The word 'cracked' originated from the Old English word 'cracian', meaning 'to resound'. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the idea of breaking or damaging something, resulting in the modern usage of 'cracked'.


See also: crack, cracker, crackers, cracking, crackle, crackling, crackly.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,094 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.