Rummaged: meaning, definitions and examples

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rummaged

 

[ ˈrʌməʤd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

search through

To rummage means to search through something in a hurried and chaotic manner. This often involves looking for something specific while displacing various items in the process. It implies a degree of disorder, as the act typically does not prioritize neatness. Rummaging can occur in many contexts, such as looking through drawers, storage boxes, or even piles of clothes. It is commonly associated with the intent to find something valuable or necessary.

Synonyms

dig, fumble, search, sift.

Examples of usage

  • She rummaged through the attic for old photographs.
  • He rummaged in his bag for the lost keys.
  • They rummaged through the shelves looking for a good book.

Translations

Translations of the word "rummaged" in other languages:

🇵🇹 revirou

🇮🇳 खंगाला

🇩🇪 durchwühlt

🇮🇩 mengobrak-abrik

🇺🇦 перевернув

🇵🇱 przeszukał

🇯🇵 むさぼり返した

🇫🇷 fouillé

🇪🇸 revolvió

🇹🇷 karıştırdı

🇰🇷 뒤적였다

🇸🇦 نبش

🇨🇿 prohledal

🇸🇰 prehrabal

🇨🇳 翻找了

🇸🇮 preiskal

🇮🇸 raskaði

🇰🇿 араласты

🇬🇪 მოიძია

🇦🇿 qarışdırdı

🇲🇽 revolvió

Etymology

The word 'rummaged' is derived from the verb 'rummage', which originates from the early 16th century. Its etymology is believed to be uncertain, but it may have connections to the Old French word 'arrumer', meaning 'to store, to stow', which itself derives from 'rumeur' or 'rumour'. Initially, 'to rummage' referred specifically to the stowing of things, often in a ship's hold. Over time, the meaning evolved to indicate searching through a disordered space to find something of interest. This reflects the chaotic nature of rummaging, where items are often thrown about in the quest for an elusive object. The historical roots suggest a link to the maritime world, indicating how language evolves from practical uses into broader meanings within everyday life.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,058, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.