Towered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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towered
[ˈtaʊərd ]
Definition
past tense
Towered is the simple past tense of the verb tower, which means to rise to a great height or to be much taller than something else. In literature and everyday language, it often describes something that stands out impressively or dominates the surroundings.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The skyscraper towered over the city.
- The mountain towered majestically above the valley.
- The ancient trees towered in the forest.
- Her achievements towered above those of her peers.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Architecture
- In architecture, buildings that are described as 'towered' often have a significant vertical element, symbolizing strength and aspiration.
- Famous towered structures include the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, both representing human ingenuity.
Nature
- In nature, trees and mountains can be described as towered due to their immense height compared to surrounding landscapes.
- Towering clouds, known as cumulonimbus, indicate severe weather and can reach heights of over 60,000 feet.
Literature
- In poetry and literature, 'towered' often symbolizes aspirations or the hurdles one must overcome to reach their goals.
- Writers like Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost frequently use imagery of towering landscapes in their work to express themes of ambition.
Origin of 'towered'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French word 'tor', meaning tower, which itself has roots in Latin ('turris').
- Initially, it described physical structures but has evolved to indicate height in a broader sense.
The word 'tower' has Middle English origins, deriving from the Old French 'tor' and Latin 'turris,' which both mean 'a tower' or 'a tall structure.' Its etymology reflects the idea of height and prominence, both architecturally and metaphorically. Originally used to describe structures that provided defense, lookout points, or religious significance, the term has evolved over centuries. In literature, towers symbolize strength, isolation, or a higher perspective. The verb form 'towered' encapsulates the action of rising or being elevated, often evoking imagery of grand landscapes or impressive buildings. By the time of Middle English, the term had cemented itself within common language, and by the early modern period, it found applications in diverse contexts, conveying both physical and abstract notions of elevation.