Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Grappled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💪
Add to dictionary

grappled

[ˈɡræp(ə)ld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

struggle with

Grappled means to struggle or contend with something. It often refers to a physical struggle, as in wrestling or fighting. However, it can also imply dealing with difficult issues or problems in a metaphorical sense. When someone grapples with a challenge, they are trying to understand it or overcome it. This term highlights the intensity of the effort involved in the struggle.

Synonyms

contend, fight, struggle, wrestle.

Examples of usage

  • She grappled with her feelings about the situation.
  • The two wrestlers grappled fiercely on the mat.
  • He grappled with the difficult math problems all night.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In wrestling, athletes grapple with opponents, showcasing strength, technique, and strategy.
  • Grappling techniques are also key in martial arts, emphasizing control and leverage over brute force.
  • The term is often used in competitions like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where grappling is the primary style used.

Psychology

  • People often grapple with difficult emotions, like sadness or anger, symbolizing an internal conflict.
  • Cognitive dissonance is when individuals grapple with contrasting beliefs or actions, leading to mental tension.
  • Effective problem-solving often requires grappling with complex issues before finding a resolution.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters frequently grapple with moral dilemmas that challenge their values and beliefs.
  • Grappling with personal identity is a common theme in coming-of-age novels, reflecting self-discovery.
  • Many authors use internal conflict to demonstrate how characters grapple with their choices and consequences.

Culture

  • The concept of grappling appears in various cultures, often depicted in folklore or tales of heroes facing challenges.
  • Grappling has been portrayed in movies and TV shows, representing physical struggles but also metaphorical battles.
  • In modern discussions, grappling can refer to grappling with societal issues, showing the ongoing nature of these debates.

Origin of 'grappled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'grappled' comes from the Middle English term 'grapplen', which means to seize or hold.
  • Its roots trace back to the Old French word 'grappel', meaning a hook or to seize, connecting to physical struggle.
  • The current form, meaning to engage in a struggle, emerged in English during the 15th century.

The word 'grappled' has its origins in the late Middle English term 'grapplen', which itself derives from the Old French term 'grapler'. It is closely related to the Old French word 'grappe', meaning 'a claw or a hook', which suggests a sense of seizing or holding on to something tightly. The evolution of the term reflects a transformation from a focus on physical struggle to a broader application encompassing emotional or intellectual challenges. Over the centuries, 'grappled' has been used in various literary and colloquial contexts, illustrating how individuals confront obstacles, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. Its usage in modern English often conveys a deep and meaningful engagement with problems rather than a superficial interaction.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,701, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.