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Shrunk Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shrunk

[ʃrʌŋk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Reduced in size, amount, or degree.

Synonyms

contracted, decreased, diminished, reduced.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shrunk

Used when something has become smaller in size, often due to external factors like washing or drying clothes.

  • My sweater shrunk in the wash.
  • The balloon shrunk after being left out overnight.
contracted

Typically used for formal or technical contexts, such as scientific references to muscles or in legal and business agreements.

  • The muscle contracted during exercise.
  • The company contracted a new supplier for materials.
diminished

Used when the reduction in size, importance, or value is often gradual and can have a slightly negative connotation.

  • His influence in the company has diminished over time.
  • The pain gradually diminished after taking the medication.
decreased

General term for any situation where something goes down in number, amount, or size. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

  • The population of the town has decreased over the past decade.
  • She decreased her sugar intake for better health.
reduced

Commonly used to talk about prices or quantities that have been made smaller. It can be formal or informal.

  • The store reduced the prices of all its items.
  • Her stress levels were significantly reduced after the holiday.

Examples of usage

  • The sweater shrunk in the wash.
  • The company's profits have shrunk significantly this year.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Materials like clothing can shrink due to heat or drying processes, as the fibers contract.
  • The phenomenon of shrinking is also observed in biological contexts, such as when cells lose water.
  • Plastic and rubber materials can shrink when cooled after being heated, a principle used in various manufacturing processes.

Pop Culture

  • 'Shrunk' has appeared in popular songs and movies, often symbolizing loss or change in a relationship.
  • Animated films sometimes creatively depict characters shrinking, leading to adventures in a tiny world.
  • The phrase 'I've shrunk since high school' is often used humorously among adults discussing weight changes over time.

Literature

  • The theme of shrinking can be found in classic literature, such as Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland', where Alice literally shrinks.
  • In science fiction, stories often explore the idea of shrinking technology, creating new worlds within our own.
  • Many authors use shrinking as a metaphor for loss of childhood or innocence, showing how things can become less vibrant.

Psychology

  • The concept of shrinking can metaphorically relate to feelings of anxiety or stress, where individuals may feel 'smaller' in social situations.
  • In therapy, discussing feelings of shrinking can help individuals confront fears or past traumas.
  • Cognitive psychology has noted that individuals sometimes describe their emotions as 'shrinking' when they feel less important or diminished in their life experiences.

Origin of 'shrunk'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'shrunk' comes from the Old English word 'screon' meaning to 'shrink' or 'to diminish'.
  • It is the past participle of the verb 'shrink', which has been used since the 15th century.
  • Unlike other verbs, 'shrunk' can often confuse people because it's commonly paired with 'has' (has shrunk), indicating a completed action.

The word 'shrunk' is the past tense of the verb 'shrink'. It originated from the Middle English word 'schrinken', which in turn came from the Old English word 'scrincan'. The meaning of 'shrink' has evolved over time, but its core concept of reducing in size or amount has remained consistent.

See also: shrink, shrinkage, shrinking.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,153, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.