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Mired Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mired

[maɪrd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

in trouble

Mired refers to being stuck or entangled in a difficult situation, often without the ability to escape. The term primarily conveys a sense of being bogged down, whether literally in mud or metaphorically in problems or complications. It suggests entrapment or a challenge that is hard to navigate through. In various contexts, being mired can inhibit progress or clarity, leading individuals or groups to struggle with resolution.

Synonyms

bogged down, ensnared, entangled, immersed, stuck.

Examples of usage

  • The company was mired in financial difficulties.
  • He found himself mired in bureaucratic red tape.
  • The project got mired in countless delays.
  • After the scandal, the politician was mired in controversy.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In many literary works, characters often find themselves mired in moral dilemmas that reflect their struggles with personal choices.
  • The term frequently appears in poetry, highlighting themes of entrapment and struggle within turbulent emotions.

Psychology

  • Being mired can metaphorically represent how individuals feel when overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, unable to find a way out.
  • It’s a common theme in therapy, where discussing feelings of being mired can lead to breakthroughs in personal growth.

Environmental Science

  • In ecology, when wetlands are described as 'mired,' it often refers to their role in trapping pollutants and providing habitat, showcasing how mire can be both a challenge and a benefit.
  • Conservation strategies often address how to deal with mired ecosystems affected by pollution and human activity.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and movies often use the metaphor of being mired to describe characters bogged down by their past or difficulties in life.
  • In popular media, being mired can symbolize the struggle against challenges, resonating with audiences who understand feeling stuck.

Origin of 'mired'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mired' comes from the Old English word 'myre,' which means mud or swamp.
  • It evolved from the Middle English term 'mire.' This roots its meaning closely to being stuck in wet, messy conditions.

The word 'mired' originates from the Old English term 'myr'; it refers to a period where mud was prevalent in the landscapes of various regions. The term evolved to denote being stuck in it, which also metaphorically translates to being caught in problems or difficulties. Over time, the word has transcended its literal meaning to encapsulate scenarios in both personal and professional life where individuals or entities are unable to progress due to various hindrances. While it retains its connection to the physical environment by describing being stuck in mud, its usage has broadened to represent complex modern struggles in society, politics, and business.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,286, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.