Tinkering: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ง
tinkering
[ หtษชลkษrษชล ]
mechanical
The activity of attempting to repair, modify, or improve something, especially a machine or mechanical device, by making small changes or adjustments.
Synonyms
adjusting, fiddling, modifying.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tinkering |
Tinkering is often used to describe making small, informal changes or attempts to fix or improve something, usually without a clear plan. It implies a sense of experimentation or playing around, often in a hands-on way.
|
| fiddling |
Fiddling often implies unnecessary or ineffective small adjustments, usually done out of boredom or nervousness. It can carry a negative connotation, suggesting that the actions may be annoying or inconsequential.
|
| adjusting |
Adjusting is used when making minor changes in order to correct or improve something. It suggests a more precise and deliberate action aimed at achieving a specific result.
|
| modifying |
Modifying refers to making significant changes to something, often to improve it or make it more suitable for a specific purpose. This term is more formal and implies a degree of planning and intent.
|
Examples of usage
- He spent hours tinkering with the old car engine.
- She enjoys tinkering with gadgets in her spare time.
general
To attempt to repair, modify, or improve something, especially a machine or mechanical device, by making small changes or adjustments.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tinkering |
Used when experimenting with or making small changes to something, often in a playful or unstructured manner.
|
| fiddle with |
Used for making small, often aimless, changes or movements, frequently with a sense of idleness. Can sometimes imply nervousness.
|
| adjust |
Appropriate for making precise or minor changes to improve functionality or fit. Often implies a deliberate and careful action.
|
| modify |
Best used when making more significant or deliberate changes to improve or adapt something. Often implies a planned and thoughtful action.
|
Examples of usage
- He likes to tinker with his computer to make it faster.
- She is always tinkering with her recipes to make them perfect.
Translations
Translations of the word "tinkering" in other languages:
๐ต๐น ajustar
- mexer
- consertar
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคกเคผเคเคพเคกเคผ
๐ฉ๐ช basteln
- herumtรผfteln
- reparieren
๐ฎ๐ฉ mengutak-atik
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะฐะนััััะฒะฐะฝะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ majsterkowanie
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใ
๐ซ๐ท bricoler
๐ช๐ธ trastear
๐น๐ท uฤraลmak
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ง์ง์๊ฑฐ๋ฆฌ๊ธฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุนุจุซ
๐จ๐ฟ bastlenรญ
๐ธ๐ฐ majstrovanie
๐จ๐ณ ๆๅผ
๐ธ๐ฎ popravljanje
๐ฎ๐ธ fikta
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะพะปะดะฐะฝ ะถะฐัะฐั
๐ฌ๐ช แฌแแ แแแแแแ แกแแฅแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ qurdalamaq
๐ฒ๐ฝ trastear
Etymology
The word 'tinkering' has its origins in the Middle English word 'tinkeren', which means 'to mend metalware'. It was commonly used to describe the act of repairing household items or metal objects. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the broader concept of making small adjustments or modifications to mechanical devices. Today, tinkering is often associated with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and creative experimentation.