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Shrank: meaning, definitions and examples

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shrank

 

[ ʃræŋk ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

past participle

Shrank is the past tense of the verb 'shrink,' meaning to become smaller in size, amount, or degree. It is often used to describe physical objects, such as clothing or materials, that have reduced in size due to exposure to heat or washing. The term can also be applied more abstractly, indicating a decrease in quantity or intensity. The action of shrinking can result from various factors, including wear and tear, environmental conditions, or intentional alterations.

Synonyms

contract, decrease, diminish, reduce

Examples of usage

  • The shirt shrank after being washed in hot water.
  • The company shrank its workforce to cut costs.
  • Her enthusiasm for the project shrank over time.

Translations

Translations of the word "shrank" in other languages:

🇵🇹 encolheu

🇮🇳 सिकुड़ गया

🇩🇪 geschrumpft

🇮🇩 menyusut

🇺🇦 зменшився

🇵🇱 skurczony

🇯🇵 縮んだ

🇫🇷 rétréci

🇪🇸 encogido

🇹🇷 küçüldü

🇰🇷 줄어든

🇸🇦 انكمش

🇨🇿 zmenšený

🇸🇰 zmenšený

🇨🇳 收缩了

🇸🇮 skrčen

🇮🇸 minnkaði

🇰🇿 кішірейген

🇬🇪 მოკლებული

🇦🇿 kiçildilmiş

🇲🇽 encogido

Word origin

The word 'shrink' comes from the Old English term 'scrincan', which means to 'shrink, shrink back, or become less.' The word has Germanic roots, closely related to the Old High German 'scrinkan' and the Dutch 'sinken.' These origins suggest a long history of usage in relation to both physical and metaphorical reduction. Over the centuries, the meaning has evolved but retained the core concept of becoming smaller in size or quantity. Historical texts have utilized the term in various contexts, from describing the physical shrinking of cloth to the figurative shrinking of opportunities or resources. The term became more widespread with industrial advancements and the development of textiles, while also being adopted in various metaphorical contexts in literature and everyday speech.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,614, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.