Sagged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sagged

[sæɡd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical shape

Sagged refers to the action of something bending downward, typically due to weight or lack of support. When an object sags, it loses its tension or firmness, causing it to droop or hang lower than its normal position.

Synonyms

dangle, droop, loll, sink.

Examples of usage

  • The old fence sagged under the weight of the snow.
  • Her shoulders sagged after a long day at work.
  • The mattress sagged in the middle, making it uncomfortable to sleep.
  • The tree branch sagged heavily with ripe fruit.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People may feel emotional weight, often described as 'sagging' spirits when they're feeling down or sad.
  • The term can be used metaphorically to describe motivation that decreases over time, like losing enthusiasm for a project.
  • In studies of posture, sagging shoulders are linked to feelings of low self-esteem or fatigue.

Pop Culture

  • 'Sagging' pants became a fashion trend in the late 1990s and early 2000s, signaling rebellion and self-expression among youth.
  • In the animated series 'The Simpsons', characters sometimes experience sagging expressions to humorously show sadness or tiredness.
  • Music videos often depict sagging elements in choreography to symbolize heaviness or earthiness in dance.

Science

  • In engineering, sagging refers to the downward curve observed in cables or beams under load, which is important for structural integrity.
  • The sagging of natural landscapes, like mountains or hills, can indicate erosion or geological changes over time.
  • In physics, sagging is related to gravity's effect on materials, impacting everything from bridges to residential roofs.

Art

  • Artists often depict sagging objects in still life paintings to convey a sense of weariness or the passage of time.
  • In sculptures, sagging forms can symbolize vulnerability and the human condition, as seen in works by modern artists.
  • The visual representation of sagging can evoke emotional responses, highlighting the contrasts between tension and relief in artworks.

Origin of 'sagged'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sag' comes from the Middle English word 'saggen', which means 'to sink or lean'.
  • In Old Norse, the word 'skag' also relates to the idea of a bend or droop.
  • The usage of 'sagged' in English has been noted since the late 14th century, often describing physical properties or shapes.

The word 'sagged' is derived from the verb 'sag', which has its roots in Middle English 'saggen', meaning to sink or to droop. The term evolved from Old English 'sagnian', which meant to become less taut or to lean down. This etymology reflects the physical change associated with the word, signifying a movement toward a lower position or a decline in firmness. Over time, 'sag' has been commonly used to describe the way various objects, bodies, or structures can bend or droop due to affliction, load, or fatigue. The transformation from its earlier forms to 'sagged' also introduced nuances in its usage, allowing it to describe both physical states and metaphorical declines, such as in mood or energy.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,836, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.