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Straggle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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straggle

[หˆstrรฆษกษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

moving unevenly

To straggle means to move or roam around in a scattered or disorganized manner, often lagging behind a group of people. This term can be used to describe someone who fails to keep pace with others during an activity or journey. It may also imply a sense of being lost or left behind. Straggling can occur in various contexts, such as hiking, walking in a line, or any other situation where a group is expected to move together. Overall, straggling denotes a lack of coordination or organization in movement.

Synonyms

fall behind, lag, trail.

Examples of usage

  • The hikers began to straggle behind when the path became steep.
  • Don't straggle too far from the group, or you might get lost!
  • He often straggled during the team runs, but he enjoyed the exercise.
Context #2 | Verb

developing late

To straggle can also refer to the slow or uneven development of something, like a project or group of pupils. This sense denotes a delay in progress or reaching a goal. It implies that while some elements may advance quickly, others lag considerably behind. Straggling in this context often leads to concerns about efficiency and deadlines.

Synonyms

dawdle, lag behind, linger.

Examples of usage

  • The project seemed to straggle as deadlines were missed.
  • Students who straggle in their studies may require additional help.
  • The flowers in the garden began to straggle, coming up late in the season.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In many adventure films, such as 'The Lord of the Rings,' characters often straggle behind during journeys, highlighting the theme of teamwork.
  • The term is frequently used in sports commentary, especially in races where competitors start to lag behind the leaders.

Psychology

  • Straggling can sometimes indicate social anxiety in individuals who feel overwhelmed in group settings, causing them to lag.
  • Psychologists note that straggling may also reflect an individualโ€™s capacity to focus and keep pace with group expectations.

Nature

  • In botanical terms, some plants are said to straggle when they spread out unevenly, often trailing behind other plants due to growth patterns.
  • Certain animals, like young deer, may straggle while foraging, which affects their safety by separating from the herd.

Education

  • In classroom settings, students who straggle in their learning may need extra support, often benefiting from tailored educational strategies.
  • Teachers use the concept of straggling to identify students who may be falling behind in their studies, prompting intervention.

Origin of 'straggle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'straggle' comes from the late Middle English word 'straglen,' which means to wander or stray.
  • It is related to the old English word 'strag,' meaning to lag or stray off, illustrating its connection to falling behind.

The word 'straggle' originates from the middle of the 19th century, with its roots likely in the English dialect. It is believed to be an alteration of 'strag', which itself comes from 'stray', meaning to wander or move away from the correct path. The verb 'straggle' reflects the action of that wandering behavior, specifically emphasizing the idea of falling behind or spreading out unevenly from a group. Over time, it gained varied usages in both physical movement and metaphorical contexts, such as indicating delayed progress or disorganization. The informal nature of the term has allowed it to persist in contemporary English, particularly in colloquial speech and writing.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,661 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.