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Shrunken: meaning, definitions and examples

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shrunken

 

[ ʃrʌŋkən ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

size reduction

Shrunken refers to something that has decreased in size, typically due to drying or compression. It can describe anything from clothing that has shrunk in the wash to body parts that appear smaller due to illness or aging. The term often conveys a sense of loss or diminishment, emphasizing how the subject has transformed into a lesser state. In a more abstract sense, it can be used to denote a reduction in importance or significance.

Synonyms

compressed, contracted, diminished, reduced.

Examples of usage

  • The shrunken sweater no longer fits me.
  • The apple had a shrunken appearance after being left out.
  • His shrunken confidence was evident during the presentation.
  • After the drought, the pond was shrunken significantly.

Etymology

The term 'shrunken' is derived from the verb 'shrink', which has Old English origins. The root 'screcan' in Old English meant 'to shriek or to make a noise', a word that has evolved over time. By the 16th century, the term began to take on its current meaning of becoming smaller or reduced in size. As the language developed, 'shrink' and its derivative forms became commonplace in describing physical changes, particularly in textiles and organic materials. Over the years, shrunken has been adopted into various contexts, from fashion to psychology, symbolizing more than just physical size but also emotional or cognitive diminishment.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,418, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.