Tattered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tattered

[ˈtætərd ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

worn out clothes

In poor condition because it has been used a lot or because it has not been taken care of.

Synonyms

frayed, ragged, shabby, threadbare, worn out.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tattered	Used to describe something, especially cloth or paper, that is torn into many pieces or in very poor condition due to being old or heavily used. The flag was tattered after years of exposure to the wind and rain
worn out	Refers to something that has been used so much that it is no longer effective or usable, gaps, breaks, or significant damage are visible. Her shoes were so worn out that they had holes in the soles
ragged	Refers to something that is rough or uneven, often used to describe clothing that is torn and in bad condition, but can also describe something that is generally rough or uneven. He wore a ragged coat that barely kept out the cold
shabby	Describes something that looks old and in poor condition due to long-term use or neglect, often used for clothing or objects, sometimes implies disrepair or neglect. Her once elegant dress looked shabby after years of wear
threadbare	Describing fabric that is so worn out that individual threads can be seen, often implying it is very old and overused. He wore a threadbare sweater that he had owned for decades
frayed	Describes cloth or rope that has become worn at the edge, with threads starting to come apart. The cuffs of his jeans were frayed from dragging on the ground

Examples of usage

My jeans were tattered and torn.
She wore a tattered old coat.
The book had a tattered cover.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

damaged or in poor condition

Torn or ragged as a result of much use.

Synonyms

damaged, frayed, shredded, torn, worn.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
tattered	Use this word to describe something that is very old and is almost falling apart, often referring to cloth or paper. His tattered coat barely protected him from the cold The book pages were tattered from years of use
damaged	This word is suitable for general use when something has been harmed or broken in some way. The car was badly damaged in the accident The package arrived damaged and several items were missing
worn	This word is used to describe something that has deteriorated or become less effective due to long usage, often referring to clothing or shoes. Her shoes were worn from all the walking she did The carpet was worn and needed to be replaced
frayed	Employ this word when referring to threads or fabric that are worn at the edges, often from frequent use or old age. The frayed edges of his jeans showed how much he wore them The flag was frayed after years of exposure to the wind
shredded	Use this word when something is torn into very small pieces, typically paper or cloth. The secret documents were shredded to ensure confidentiality Her dress was shredded after getting caught on the fence
torn	This word describes something that has been ripped or split apart, commonly used for fabric or paper. He showed me his torn shirt where the dog had bitten him The pages were torn out in a hurry

Examples of usage

The old flag was tattered and faded.
The tattered curtains fluttered in the wind.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

In classic literature, characters often wear tattered clothing to symbolize their struggles or hardships.
Tattered pages in a book can signify a story well-loved and frequently read, showing its impact on readers over time.
In Dickens' works, ragged and tattered imagery evokes sympathy for characters experiencing poverty.

Cultural Significance

In literature and film, tattered clothing can signify lower social status or past adversity, making characters more relatable.
Tattered flags are often seen as memorials, representing historical struggles and sacrifices made for a cause.
In art, tattered elements can symbolize the passage of time and the beauty in imperfection.

Psychology

Seeing tattered items can evoke nostalgia, reminding people of their childhood or significant life events.
In therapy, discussing tattered possessions can help individuals express feelings about loss or change.
The concept of 'tattered identity' refers to how individuals perceive their self-worth after experiencing hardship.

Origin of 'tattered'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Middle English 'tatteren,' meaning to tear or rip.
Its roots can be traced to the Old English 'tætere,' which referred to something torn or shredded.
It is related to the term 'tatter' which described pieces of cloth or fabric that were ripped apart.

The word 'tattered' originated from Middle English 'tatteren', which means 'to rend or tear'. It has been used to describe worn-out or torn items since the 14th century. The word evolved over time to signify something that is in a state of disrepair or ruin. 'Tattered' carries a connotation of neglect or overuse, making it a vivid term to describe worn or damaged items.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,830, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17828 crumbled
17829 organizes
17830 tattered
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17832 indignantly
17833 finale
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