Outstretched Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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outstretched
[aสtหstrษtสt ]
Definition
physical position
Outstretched describes something that is extended or spread out, often referring to limbs or arms. It conveys the action or appearance of being fully extended in a way that suggests openness or invitation. This term is often used in contexts where someone is reaching out or making themselves more accessible, symbolically or literally.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She approached him with outstretched arms.
- The outstretched wings of the bird caught the sunlight.
- He lay on the ground with his arms outstretched.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In poetry and prose, 'outstretched' often evokes images of longing or desire, such as an outstretched hand seeking connection.
- Famous authors, like William Blake, have used this word to symbolize hope and aspiration, connecting physically and emotionally with the world.
- The phrase 'outstretched wings' is commonly used in literature to symbolize freedom or transcendence.
Art
- In visual arts, figures with 'outstretched' limbs are often depicted to convey movement, energy, or an invitation to engage.
- Artists like Michelangelo illustrated outstretched hands in The Creation of Adam, emphasizing the moment of divine connection.
- Modern sculptures often use 'outstretched' forms to represent openness and welcome, making space for the viewer's interaction.
Psychology
- Research shows that outstretched arms can be seen as a sign of trust, openness, and willingness to connect with others.
- In body language, outstretched limbs may convey emotional states like excitement or eagerness, influencing social interactions.
- Children often instinctively reach out with outstretched arms seeking comfort or nurturing, which is crucial for their emotional development.
Science
- In biology, the term 'outstretched' is used to describe the position of limbs or appendages, such as when a bird spreads its wings.
- Scientists studying sea creatures note that many aquatic animals exhibit outstretched fins to navigate through water efficiently.
- In physics, concepts of extension relate to forces acting on an object; outstretched elements may indicate balance or tension in systems.
Origin of 'outstretched'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'outstretched' comes from combining 'out' meaning outward or away, and 'stretched', which means to extend or elongate.
- It has been used since at least the Middle English period, showing how people described extending their limbs in various contexts.
- The prefix 'out-' often emphasizes movement away from a center, which is a common theme in English.
The word 'outstretched' originates from the combination of 'out', meaning outward or away from the center, and 'stretched', which comes from the Old English 'streccan', meaning to extend or spread. The use of 'out' emphasizes the directionality of the extension, indicating that something is being extended outwardly. The earliest records of 'stretch' suggest a common Germanic root, which is related to similar terms in various Germanic languages, reflecting a long history of usage in the context of physical and metaphorical extension. Over time, 'outstretched' has been used in literature and speech to evoke images of openness, reachability, and invitation, making it a versatile term in both descriptive and poetic language.