Padded: meaning, definitions and examples

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padded

[ˈpædɪd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

clothing

Having extra material sewn into a garment to make it larger or to provide extra protection or comfort.

Synonyms

cushioned, quilted, stuffed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
padded	Used when talking about something that has extra soft material inside to add comfort or protection. He wore a padded jacket to stay warm. The envelope was padded to protect the fragile contents.
cushioned	Best used when referring to something that has a soft layer to absorb shock or provide a comfortable surface to sit or lay on. The benches in the park are cushioned and very comfortable. She bought cushioned sneakers for running.
stuffed	Refers to something filled tightly with material, often used for toys, food, or furniture, and can sometimes have a negative connotation if implying excess. The teddy bear was stuffed with soft cotton. She was stuffed after eating the large meal.
quilted	Typically used for fabric that is stitched together in patterns, often with a layer of padding, commonly seen in blankets and jackets. She wrapped herself in a quilted blanket to stay warm. He wore a quilted vest on the cold morning walk.

Examples of usage

The jacket was padded with extra insulation to keep the wearer warm.
She wore padded gloves to protect her hands from the cold.
The padded shoulders on the blazer gave it a more structured look.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

writing

To make a piece of writing longer by adding unnecessary or repetitive material.

Synonyms

embellish, exaggerate, inflate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
padded	Used when talking about making something physically softer or adding unnecessary details to a story or report. She wore a padded jacket to keep warm. The report was padded with extra information to make it seem longer.
inflate	Commonly used to describe increasing the size or amount of something, either physically (like inflating a balloon) or figuratively (like inflating numbers or prices), often in a negative context. She inflated the balloon for the party. The company was accused of inflating their profits.
embellish	Best used when adding decorative details to something, either literally or metaphorically in stories. She likes to embellish her clothing with lace. He embellished the story with a few additional details.
exaggerate	Often used when describing situations where someone makes something seem more significant, extreme, or dramatic than it really is, usually in a negative or neutral way. He tends to exaggerate his achievements. Don’t believe everything she says; she tends to exaggerate.

Examples of usage

The student padded his essay with unnecessary details to reach the word count.
She was accused of padding her resume with false information.
The article was padded with filler content to meet the required length.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from Middle English, originating from the word 'paden', which means to comfort or to soften.
Historically, the term 'pad' was used to refer to a cushion or mat, leading to the modern concept of padding in various contexts.

Fashion

In clothing, padding is often used to enhance body shape, like in shoulder pads that give a broader appearance.
Padded jackets became popular in the late 20th century, especially for outdoor activities, providing insulation and warmth.

Sports

In sports, padded gear such as helmets and knee pads is essential for injury prevention during contact activities.
American football is known for its extensive use of padding to protect players, influencing how the game is physically played.

Health and Safety

Padding is crucial in various medical applications, including cushioning for prosthetics and hospital equipment to cushion patients.
Padded surfaces in homes and public places can significantly reduce the risk of injury, especially for children and the elderly.

Interior Design

In furniture design, padding improves comfort; sofas and chairs often include padding to enhance the sitting experience.
Padded walls or floors are sometimes used in places like nurseries or theaters for soundproofing and creating a cozy atmosphere.

Translations

Translations of the word "padded" in other languages:

🇵🇹 acolchoado

🇮🇳 गद्देदार

🇩🇪 gepolstert

🇮🇩 berlapis

🇺🇦 вкладений

🇵🇱 wyściełany

🇯🇵 パッド入り

🇫🇷 rembourré

🇪🇸 acolchado

🇹🇷 dolgulu

🇰🇷 패딩 처리된

🇸🇦 مبطن

🇨🇿 polstrovaný

🇸🇰 polstrovaný

🇨🇳 填充的

🇸🇮 oblazinjen

🇮🇸 bætt

🇰🇿 жұмсақ

🇬🇪 დაფარული

🇦🇿 yastıqlı

🇲🇽 acolchado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,474, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
15471 curricular
15472 melodic
15473 flannel
15474 padded
15475 rabbi
15476 steamed
15477 gravitation
...