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Tongued Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tongued

[tสŒล‹d ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

physical characteristic

The term 'tongued' refers to something that has a tongue or is characterized by having a tongue. This can apply to various contexts, including anatomy, where certain anatomical structures or organisms are described as 'tongued.' For example, 'tongued' can be used to describe the shape or feature of certain plants or animals that possess a distinct tongue structure. It can also refer to being articulate or having a speaking ability, implying that someone has a skill in expressing themselves verbally.

Synonyms

articulate, vocal, voiced.

Examples of usage

  • The dog is known for its long, floppy tongued feature.
  • Certain species of frogs are described as 'tongued,' indicating their feeding mechanism.
  • The artist was praised for her tongued style of communication during the presentation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

  • In phonetics, the articulation of sounds can vary significantly based on how the tongue is used.
  • Certain languages, like Mandarin, utilize tonal variations created by the position of the tongue, illustrating how 'tongued' indicates diverse speech forms.
  • Dialects can exhibit unique tongue placements that give each a distinct sound character.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, the elegance of speech can elevate a person's status, where 'tongued' skills are seen as a sign of intelligence.
  • Storytelling traditions often celebrate characters with 'silver tongues', indicating their persuasive and articulate speech.
  • Expressions such as 'sharp-tongued' refer to individuals who speak in a biting or sarcastic way, demonstrating the power of speech in social interactions.

Psychology

  • The way someone speaks can reveal their emotions and state of mind, showcasing the psychological link between tongue use and expression.
  • Studies suggest that people judge charisma and trustworthiness based on how someone articulates their thoughts.
  • The concept of 'tongued' in speech can sometimes influence the listenerโ€™s perception of the speaker's credibility.

Literature

  • Writers often use 'tongued' to describe characters with particular styles of speech, enriching their personality and relatability.
  • Poets may play with the sounds of words, using 'tongued' to evoke themes of voice and expression.
  • The phrase 'tongues of fire' in ancient texts symbolizes passion and powerful speech, highlighting the significance of expressive language.

Origin of 'tongued'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'tongued' comes from the Old English 'tunga', which means 'tongue', indicating a connection with speech.
  • It was used in various forms in Middle English and has evolved over time to describe styles of speaking.
  • In different cultures, the term often describes the manner of articulation or how a language is pronounced.

The word 'tongued' originates from the Old English 'tunge,' which itself has roots in Proto-Germanic '*tungล' and Proto-Indo-European '*dสฐenวตสฐ-' meaning 'to taste or to lick.' Over time, the term evolved into various forms across different Germanic languages. In Middle English, the word transformed into 'tonge' and began to develop different meanings related to speech and physical anatomy. The suffix '-ed' indicates a characteristic or a state, making 'tongued' signify not only the physical presence of a tongue but also the manner of articulation linked to it. Its contemporary usage spans both literal and metaphorical references, illustrating the diverse applications of the term in describing communication and physical attributes.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,680, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.