Pulled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pulled

[pÊŠld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

action

To exert force in order to move something towards oneself or the origin of the force.

Synonyms

drag, haul, tug.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pulled

To move something towards you or in a certain direction with steady force. Often used for lighter objects or when the effort is not overly strenuous.

  • She pulled the door open.
  • He pulled the book off the shelf.
drag

To pull something with effort and difficulty, often because it is heavy or stuck. Can imply frustration or reluctance.

  • She had to drag the suitcase up the stairs.
  • He dragged the boat onto the shore.
haul

To pull or drag something with a lot of effort. Typically used for very heavy or bulky items that require significant strength to move.

  • We had to haul the logs to the campsite.
  • They hauled the car out of the ditch.
tug

To pull something quickly and forcefully, often in a short, jerky motion. Usually used for smaller or lighter objects, or to indicate a sudden effort.

  • The toddler tugged on his mother's sleeve.
  • She gave the rope a quick tug.

Examples of usage

  • She pulled the door open.
  • He pulled her closer for a hug.
Context #2 | Verb

experience

To extract or remove something forcibly or violently.

Synonyms

extract, pluck, remove.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pulled

Used when talking about drawing something out or moving it towards yourself with force or effort. Commonly used in physical actions.

  • He pulled the door open.
  • She pulled the rope with all her strength.
extract

Used when taking something out with care or effort, often from within something else. It is used in both literal and figurative contexts.

  • The dentist will extract the tooth next week.
  • The scientist extracted DNA from the sample.
remove

Used when taking something away from a place or position. It can be used in a variety of situations from physical removal to abstract concepts.

  • Please remove your shoes before entering the house.
  • They removed the old files from the system.
pluck

Used when picking something quickly and often with a sharp movement, typically used for small items like feathers, hairs, or strings.

  • She plucked a grey hair from her head.
  • He plucked a guitar string to make sure it was in tune.

Examples of usage

  • The dentist pulled out my tooth.
  • The police pulled him out of the car.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

An act of inhaling smoke from a cigarette or pipe.

Synonyms

drag, hit, puff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pulled

Use when referring to something being moved towards oneself with a physical force.

  • He pulled the door open.
  • She pulled the chair closer to the table.
drag

Use when describing the action of pulling something along the ground, typically with difficulty.

  • They had to drag the heavy suitcase up the stairs.
  • The dog tried to drag the stick back to its owner.
hit

Use when talking about striking something or someone with a forceful impact. Often can have a negative connotation.

  • He accidentally hit his head on the low ceiling.
  • The boxer hit his opponent with a strong punch.
puff

Use when describing a small burst of air, smoke, or steam, or the act of exhaling forcefully.

  • She took a puff of her cigarette.
  • A puff of steam came out of the kettle.

Examples of usage

  • He took a long pull on his cigarette.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Expressions

  • In sports, 'pulled' often describes an athlete injuring a muscle, as in 'pulled hamstring'.
  • In the culinary world, 'pulled' often refers to meat that is cooked slowly until it becomes tender and easy to shred, like 'pulled pork'.
  • The phrase 'pulling strings' refers to manipulating a situation behind the scenes, inspired by the action of pulling.

Science

  • In physics, the concept of pulling is linked to tension: the force applied when something is stretched.
  • Pulled objects experience various forces; for example, friction can affect how easily something moves.
  • Elastic materials can be 'pulled' to a point, after which they may return to their original shape or break.

Psychology

  • The idea of being 'pulled' in different directions metaphorically describes feeling torn between choices or responsibilities.
  • Research on motivation suggests people are 'pulled' towards goals they find meaningful, moving them forward.
  • The concept of 'pull' in relationships can represent attraction, where one person feels drawn to another.

Literature

  • Many stories use the idea of being pulled into a new world, often seen in fantasy genres where characters enter magical realms.
  • Poets often explore the emotional complexities of being 'pulled' by conflicting desires or emotions.
  • Fictional characters are often described as 'pulled' toward their destinies, underlining themes of fate and choice.

Origin of 'pulled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'pullian', meaning to draw or drag something.
  • It’s related to the word 'pulk', a term used in Scandinavian languages for pulling a sled.
  • The verb has changed over time, but its essence of movement remains.

The word 'pulled' originated from Middle English 'pullen', which has Old English and Germanic roots. The basic meaning of 'pull' has remained consistent over time, evolving to encompass a variety of contexts. In modern usage, 'pulled' is a versatile verb with multiple meanings and applications.


See also: pull, pullback, pulley, pulling, pullover.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,209, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.