Tinkered: meaning, definitions and examples
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tinkered
[ ˈtɪŋ.kərd ]
informal activity
Tinkered is the past tense of the verb 'tinker', which refers to making small adjustments or improvements to something, often in a trial-and-error manner. This action usually involves working on mechanical or electronic devices. Tinkering can also imply a casual and experimental approach to problem-solving, where the individual modifies or repairs something without a clear plan, usually for the purpose of understanding how it works or improving its function.
Synonyms
adjusted, fiddled, meddled, modified.
Examples of usage
- She tinkered with the bike until it was fixed.
- He spent the weekend tinkering in the garage.
- The student tinkered with the programming code.
- They tinkered with the recipe to make it better.
Translations
Translations of the word "tinkered" in other languages:
🇵🇹 brincou
🇮🇳 खिलवाड़ किया
🇩🇪 gebastelt
🇮🇩 bermain-main
🇺🇦 чіплявся
🇵🇱 majstrował
🇯🇵 いじった
🇫🇷 bricolé
🇪🇸 trasteado
🇹🇷 karıştırdı
🇰🇷 만지작거렸다
🇸🇦 عبث
🇨🇿 pohrávala si
🇸🇰 majstroval
🇨🇳 摆弄
🇸🇮 vrtel
🇮🇸 bjó til
🇰🇿 ойнады
🇬🇪 თამაშობდა
🇦🇿 oynadı
🇲🇽 trasteó
Etymology
The word 'tinker' has its roots in Middle English, originating from the Old English term 'tincan', which means 'to work with metal' or 'to make small repairs'. Historically, tinkers were itinerant workers who traveled from place to place, mending pots and pans, or performing other small metal repairs. Over time, the verb 'tinker' evolved to include not just the physical action of fixing objects but also a broader meaning of experimenting and adjusting things in an informal and casual manner. This transition reflects cultural shifts, where the act of tinkering is now often associated with creativity, innovation, and the DIY (do it yourself) movement, particularly in the technology and maker communities.