Ragged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฏ๏ธ
ragged
[หrรฆษกษชd ]
Definitions
clothing
Having an uneven or jagged edge; torn or tattered
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ragged |
Used to describe something that is rough or uneven, often referring to clothing or edges that are worn down over time.
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| tattered |
Refers to something that is old and torn, especially used to describe clothing or books that are in very poor condition.
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| frayed |
Typically describes fabric or threads that are worn thin and starting to come apart at the ends. It can also refer to someone feeling emotionally drained or stressed.
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| shredded |
Describes something that has been torn or cut into strips, and often carries a strong visual impact. It is also commonly used to describe a very muscular physique.
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Examples of usage
- He wore a ragged old jacket to the party.
- The hem of her dress was ragged from catching on the fence.
appearance
Looking worn-out or unkempt
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ragged |
Used to describe something that looks worn-out or torn, often clothing that has seen much use. It suggests a rough and uneven appearance.
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| shabby |
Describes something that is in poor condition due to wear and tear, often implying neglect. It can also be used figuratively to describe behavior that is unfair or low-quality.
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| disheveled |
Commonly used to describe someone's appearance when their clothes or hair are messy and untidy, often indicating a lack of care or haste.
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| untidy |
Used to describe something that is not neat or organized, which could be a physical space or appearance. It suggests a general lack of order.
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Examples of usage
- His hair was ragged and unkempt.
- The old building had a ragged appearance.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Charles Dickens' works, ragged characters often symbolize lost innocence and the struggles of the poor.
- William Blakeโs poem 'The Chimney Sweeper' features ragged children, depicting the harsh realities of child labor in the 18th century.
Psychology
- Visual cues of raggedness in a personโs appearance can elicit feelings of sympathy or concern from others.
- Research shows that individuals often associate ragged or worn clothing with lower socioeconomic status and may unconsciously judge character based on appearance.
Art
- Ragged textures are used in art to convey emotions like distress or rawness, seen in works by artists like Edvard Munch.
- In contemporary installations, artists might use ragged materials to challenge perceptions of beauty and worth.
Fashion
- The 'distressed' look in fashion can be traced back to the ragged styles popularized by punk rock culture in the 1970s.
- Today, ragged styles are embraced in mainstream fashion, representing a sense of rebellion and individuality.
Origin of 'ragged'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'ragged' comes from the Old Norse word 'rวซgg', meaning 'a rag or tattered piece of cloth'.
- In Middle English, 'ragged' was often used to describe both clothing and people in a torn state, highlighting poverty or hardship.
The word 'ragged' originated from Middle English 'raggede', past participle of 'raggen', meaning 'to tear'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something torn or tattered.
See also: ragamuffin, ragout, rags.