Haggardly: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'haggard' originates from Middle English, referring to a wild or untamed appearance.
• It is believed to have roots in the Old French word 'hagard,' meaning 'wild' or 'thinning out.'
• Historically, it was often used in literature to describe physical and emotional exhaustion.

Literature

• Writers like William Shakespeare and Samuel Taylor Coleridge used the term to depict characters under great distress or mental strain.
• In poetry, the haggard appearance often symbolizes the weight of life’s burdens, illustrating deep emotional narratives.
• A famous depiction of haggardness is in works expressing the struggles of war, where characters are portrayed as weary and worn down.

Psychology

• Feeling haggard can be linked to chronic stress, which affects both mental and physical health.
• Studies show that sleep deprivation leads to cognitive decline and can give a person a haggard appearance over time.
• People's perceptions of others as haggard may also influence social interactions and relationships.

Pop Culture

• Characters in movies and TV often show a haggard expression to indicate they are going through tough times.
• In various forms of media, a haggard appearance can symbolize resilience, showcasing a character who has endured hardship.
• Music often uses imagery of haggardness in lyrics to convey deep emotional experiences and struggles.

Visual Arts

• Artists sometimes use haggard features to portray the theme of suffering in their works, emphasizing human emotion.
• Famous paintings depict subjects in haggardlike states to explore themes of despair and fatigue, eliciting viewer empathy.
• The portrayal of haggardness can invoke deeper conversations around mental health and societal issues.

With rank #42,681, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.

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• 42678 unresistant
• 42679 slipperiest
• 42680 scantest
• 42681 haggardly
• 42682 clownishly
• 42683 cricked
• 42684 spryly
• ...