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Misshapen: meaning, definitions and examples

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misshapen

 

[mɪsˈʃeɪpən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

description

Not having the normal or natural shape; deformed or distorted.

Synonyms

deformed, distorted, twisted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
misshapen

Used to describe something that doesn't have the normal or expected shape, often due to damage or an error in formation.

  • The loaf of bread came out misshapen after baking
  • The artist's sculpture was accidentally dropped and now looks misshapen
deformed

Implying a serious alteration or damage from the normal shape, often associated with negative connotations and usually referring to physical form.

  • The tree appeared deformed after the lightning strike
  • The old doll had a deformed face which scared the children
distorted

Indicating something that has been changed in shape, sound, or appearance to the point that it is unclear or unpleasant, commonly used in both physical and abstract contexts.

  • The funhouse mirrors create distorted reflections of the people standing in front of them
  • The news report was so biased it was completely distorted
twisted

Often used when something is turned in a way that it bends out of its original shape, can also mean something is morally wrong when used in abstract contexts.

  • The metal rod was twisted after the heavy impact
  • His sense of humor is quite twisted, which not everyone appreciates

Examples of usage

  • The misshapen tree looked as if it had been twisted by a tornado.
  • Her misshapen fingers made it difficult for her to hold a pen.
  • The misshapen rock formations gave the landscape an eerie appearance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the prefix 'mis-' meaning 'wrongly' combined with 'shapen', the past participle of 'shape'.
  • It has been used in the English language since the 14th century, showing that people have been talking about strange shapes for a long time.

Art

  • In modern art, misshapen sculptures often challenge our ideas of beauty and form, prompting viewers to reconsider what art can be.
  • Artists like Salvador Dalí used misshapen elements in their work to express emotions or surreal concepts.

Science

  • In biology, misshapen cells can indicate various diseases, helping scientists understand health issues.
  • Genetic mutations can lead to misshapen body parts in animals, aiding studies in evolution and adaptation.

Literature

  • Misshapen characters often appear in stories to signify struggle or the fight against societal norms, like Quasimodo in Victor Hugo's 'The Hunchback of Notre-Dame'.
  • In fairy tales, misshapen creatures like goblins or ogres often symbolize the flawed nature of humanity.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Shrek' feature misshapen characters who teach valuable lessons about acceptance and inner beauty.
  • In video games, misshapen monsters often serve as humorous or challenging obstacles, making gameplay more exciting.

Translations

Translations of the word "misshapen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 deformado

🇮🇳 विकृत

🇩🇪 verformt

🇮🇩 cacat

🇺🇦 деформований

🇵🇱 zdeformowany

🇯🇵 変形した

🇫🇷 difforme

🇪🇸 deformado

🇹🇷 şekli bozuk

🇰🇷 변형된

🇸🇦 مشوه

🇨🇿 zdeformovaný

🇸🇰 zdeformovaný

🇨🇳 畸形的

🇸🇮 deformiran

🇮🇸 afmyndaður

🇰🇿 деформацияланған

🇬🇪 დეფორმირებული

🇦🇿 dəyişmiş

🇲🇽 deformado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,884, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.