Jaded Meaning: Definition and Examples
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jaded
[ˈdʒeɪdɪd ]
Definition
emotional state
Jaded refers to a state of being tired, bored, or lacking enthusiasm, typically after having had too much of something. This feeling often arises after extensive exposure or experience with a particular activity or situation. Hence, someone who is jaded may find it difficult to appreciate or enjoy something that once excited them. The word captures a sense of fatigue and disillusionment, highlighting how overindulgence can lead to a loss of interest.
Synonyms
bored, disenchanted, fatigued, tired, weary.
Examples of usage
- She felt jaded after years of working in the same job.
- The constant travel left him jaded and longing for home.
- After many seasons of the same show, the audience became jaded.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Emotional fatigue often manifests in feelings of jadedness, as people can become desensitized to experiences.
- Overexposure to certain events or stimuli can lead to apathy and a lack of enthusiasm, linked to feelings of jadedness.
Pop Culture
- The term is often used in modern media to describe characters who have lost their zest for life, like cynical tourists.
- In movies, jaded characters frequently serve as a foil to more optimistic and naive counterparts.
Literature
- Classic literature often features jaded protagonists who have grown weary of romance or adventure, reflecting themes of disillusionment.
- The concept of being jaded has inspired countless poems and stories about the human experience of weariness.
Cultural References
- In art and photography, jaded subjects often reflect a sense of dissatisfaction with consumerism and modern life.
- Music lyrics frequently explore themes of jadedness, capturing the feeling of having lost the joy that once inspired creativity.
Origin of 'jaded'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from the early 17th century, derived from the verb 'jade,' which meant to exhaust a horse through overuse.
- Originally, 'jade' referred to a worn-out horse, illustrating a sense of fatigue from excess.
The term 'jaded' finds its roots in the early 17th century, derived from the Old Norse word 'jalda', meaning 'mare'. Originally, the word was used to describe a worn-out horse, reflecting a state of exhaustion. Over time, the term evolved in the English language to embody a broader emotional and psychological fatigue. By the mid-19th century, 'jaded' began to be applied to people, illustrating a sense of disillusionment or loss of interest resulting from overexposure to something once found enjoyable or exciting. This cascading usage highlights societal themes of boredom and the quest for genuine experience.