Shredded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shredded

[ˈʃrɛdɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

food

Divided or torn into pieces; cut or ripped apart.

Synonyms

cut, ripped, torn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shredded

Typically used to describe something that has been torn into small, thin pieces, especially for paper or vegetables.

  • She shredded the confidential documents before throwing them away.
  • He added the shredded carrots to the salad.
torn

Describes something that has been pulled apart or damaged, often unintentionally. It can imply a state of disrepair or damage.

  • Her clothes were torn after the fall.
  • The old book had several torn pages.
ripped

Describes something that has been forcefully torn or split apart, often with a strong force. The word can have a negative connotation.

  • He ripped his shirt on the fence.
  • The wind ripped the flag off the pole.
cut

A general term for dividing something with a sharp tool. Can be used in various contexts such as cooking, crafts, or injuries.

  • She cut the cake into eight slices.
  • He cut himself while shaving.

Examples of usage

  • The recipe calls for shredded cheese.
  • She wore a shredded denim jacket.
Context #2 | Verb

paper

To cut or tear into small pieces.

Synonyms

cut up, rip up, tear up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shredded

This word is often used when referring to documents or paper being destroyed into small pieces, typically by a machine. It can also be used to describe something that is finely cut or torn.

  • I shredded the confidential documents to protect sensitive information.
  • The cabbage was shredded for the salad.
tear up

This phrase is usually used when you are tearing something, like paper, into pieces. It can also mean to start crying.

  • She tore up the old documents she no longer needed.
  • He began to tear up after hearing the sad news.
cut up

This phrase is commonly used when you are dividing or slicing something, like food or fabric, into smaller pieces.

  • She cut up the vegetables for the soup.
  • The fabric was cut up into squares for the quilt.
rip up

This phrase generally has a more violent or aggressive connotation. It is often used when tearing something apart forcefully and destructively.

  • He angrily ripped up the letter.
  • She ripped up the old carpet.

Examples of usage

  • She shredded the important document before throwing it away.
  • He shredded the old newspapers for recycling.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Shredded ingredients are used in salads like coleslaw to add texture and flavor.
  • Commonly shredded foods include cheese, chicken, and vegetables, providing a unique way to integrate flavors into dishes.

Fitness and Nutrition

  • 'Shredded' is also used in fitness slang to describe someone with very low body fat and visible muscle definition.
  • Health experts suggest incorporating shredded foods into meals to enhance taste and nutritional profile.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and television, 'shredded' is often associated with characters who undertake major physical transformations.
  • The term has been popularized in various fitness communities and social media trends.

Environmental Recycling

  • In recycling, 'shredded' materials are easier to process and can be repurposed into new products.
  • Shredded paper is often used for packaging, contributing to sustainability efforts.

Origin of 'shredded'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'shrede,' which means to cut into pieces.
  • Its usage in cooking contexts became popular during the 19th century as food preparation techniques evolved.

The word 'shredded' originated from the past participle of the verb 'shred,' which has been in use since the 16th century. The term 'shred' itself comes from Old English 'scread,' meaning a piece cut or torn off. Over time, 'shredded' has evolved to describe food or materials that have been divided or torn into small pieces.


See also: shred, shredder, shreds.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,842, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.