Stretched Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stretched

[streสงt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical activity

Extend or spread out to the fullest or fullest extent

Synonyms

elongate, extend, lengthen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stretched

Used when something is pulled or spread out to its fullest length, often with tension.

  • The elastic band stretched to twice its original size
  • After the long run, he stretched his legs to relax
extend

Best used when referring to making something longer in space or time, often by adding more parts or sections.

  • They decided to extend their vacation by another week
  • The company plans to extend the building with a new wing
lengthen

Commonly used in everyday language when making something physically longer or increasing its duration.

  • She asked the tailor to lengthen her dress
  • Over time, the days lengthen in the summer
elongate

Typically used in more scientific or formal contexts to describe something made longer, often stretching evenly.

  • The scientist observed how the cells began to elongate under the microscope
  • The shadow elongated as the sun set

Examples of usage

  • She stretched her arms above her head
  • He stretched his legs before jogging
Context #2 | Verb

emotional state

Make great efforts to achieve something

Synonyms

endeavor, push oneself, strive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stretched

This term is often used when someone is feeling overwhelmed or is facing too many tasks and responsibilities, leading to a sense of being unable to manage everything adequately.

  • She felt stretched thin between work, school, and family commitments.
  • With the additional project, the team's resources were stretched to the limit.
strive

This word denotes making a serious effort to achieve a goal, often emphasizing dedication, persistence, and hard work. It is typically associated with aspirations and improvement.

  • They strive to provide the best customer service in the industry.
  • He strives for excellence in all that he does.
endeavor

This word usually describes a significant or sincere effort to achieve something, often something challenging or important. It conveys a positive and earnest attempt.

  • His endeavor to improve healthcare in the community was commendable.
  • Writing the novel was a long and difficult endeavor for her.
push oneself

Use this phrase when someone is making a great effort to go beyond their usual limits or abilities, often to achieve personal growth or success. It implies a self-motivated drive.

  • He decided to push himself and run an extra mile every day.
  • She's always pushing herself to learn new skills and improve.

Examples of usage

  • She stretched her abilities to the limit
  • He stretched himself to the breaking point
Context #3 | Noun

physical activity

An act of stretching one's body or limbs

Synonyms

elongation, extension, reach.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stretched

Used when something is pulled to its full length or capacity, often implying effort or strain.

  • The fabric stretched as she pulled on it
  • His patience was stretched to the limit
extension

Describes an increase in length or time, often used for both physical and abstract concepts like deadlines or project extensions.

  • They granted an extension to the project deadline
  • The extension of the railway line will improve transportation
elongation

Refers to the process of becoming longer, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The elongation of the metal rod was measured under different temperatures
  • Muscle elongation is crucial in injury recovery
reach

Refers to extending your arm or ability to access something, often used in everyday situations to describe physical or metaphorical distance.

  • Can you reach the book on the top shelf? The company's marketing efforts aimed to reach a wider audience

Examples of usage

  • She did a morning stretch
  • He paused for a quick stretch

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In physics, when a material is stretched, it can change its shape, but the properties of the material, like elasticity, help it return to its original form.
  • Stretching helps increase blood flow to muscles, which is vital for warming up before exercise.
  • Muscles have fibers that can stretch to a certain limit; exceeding that limit may cause injury.

Health & Wellness

  • Regular stretching can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury, especially in athletes.
  • Yoga, a practice involving many stretching postures, is known to enhance both physical and mental well-being.
  • Therapists often recommend stretching for rehabilitation, helping patients regain movement after injuries.

Art

  • In visual art, stretching can refer to the technique of stretching canvas over frames, creating a supportive surface for painting.
  • The concept of stretching is also explored in performing arts, where dancers stretch their bodies to achieve graceful movements.
  • Photographers may stretch their creative boundaries by experimenting with unconventional perspectives.

Psychology

  • Stretching can have psychological benefits, as physical activity releases endorphins, the bodyโ€™s natural mood lifters.
  • Stretching often promotes mindfulness, helping individuals focus on the connection between body and mind.
  • In stressful situations, a simple stretch can physically relieve tension, influencing emotional responses.

Origin of 'stretched'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'stretched' comes from the Old English 'streccan', which means 'to stretch or extend'.
  • Roots in Germanic languages display similar meanings, showcasing how the concept of stretching has been important across cultures.
  • The form 'stretched' is the past tense of 'stretch', indicating that it has already happened.

The word 'stretched' originates from the Middle English word 'strecchen', which is derived from the Old English word 'streccan'. The concept of stretching has been practiced for centuries in various cultures as a way to improve flexibility, prevent injury, and promote relaxation. The modern understanding of stretching as a physical and mental exercise has evolved over time to become an essential component of fitness routines and daily wellness practices.


See also: stretch, stretchable, stretchedly, stretcher, stretching, stretchy.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,029 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.