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Trickled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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trickled

[ˈtrɪk.əld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

liquid movement

To trickle means to flow or fall in a thin, small stream. This term is often used to describe the slow movement of liquid, such as water, that might drip or seep in small amounts. Trickling can also apply to various contexts, such as time passing slowly or people moving in small numbers. It evokes an image of something gradually spreading or moving in a gentle manner.

Synonyms

dripped, flowed, oozed, streamed.

Examples of usage

  • Water trickled down the rocks.
  • The rain trickled onto the pavement.
  • Her thoughts trickled through her mind.
  • The audience trickled into the theater.
  • The juice trickled from the fruit.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Water trickling can be a key indicator of filtration and soil health as it shows how water moves through the earth.
  • Hydrology studies how trickling water shapes landscapes, leading to the formation of streams and rivers over time.
  • Trickling can help in understanding fluid dynamics, where the speed of flow can vary with changes in pressure and surface tension.

Literature

  • Authors often use the imagery of trickling water to symbolize the passage of time or the flow of thoughts in characters' minds.
  • In poetry, 'trickle' can evoke feelings of calmness or sadness, as it suggests slowness and ease.
  • Classic works like 'The Catcher in the Rye' highlight emotions trickling down like tears, drawing parallels between physical and emotional movement.

Psychology

  • The word can describe how feelings, such as sadness or joy, 'trickle' into a person's consciousness, reflecting a gradual emotional experience.
  • Trickling thoughts can point to how ideas develop slowly in the mind, often leading to creative outcomes.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy uses the concept of 'trickling' thoughts to help individuals recognize and manage their emotional responses over time.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, trickling water often symbolizes a turning point, such as a character's realization or emotional breakdown.
  • Songs and lyrics frequently use trickling as a metaphor, conveying the slow unfolding of relationships or heartbreak.
  • Visual arts sometimes depict trickling as a contrast between chaos and tranquility, capturing the essence of natural landscapes.

Origin of 'trickled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'trickle' comes from the Middle English 'triklen', which is rooted in the Old English 'triclan', meaning to 'flow gently or dribble'.
  • It originally described water flowing slowly, but over time it has been applied to various contexts, including emotions and thoughts.
  • The term gained broader usage in the 15th century, reflecting both literal and metaphorical flows.

The word 'trickle' has its origins in Middle English, where it was likely derived from the Old English term 'trician', meaning to drip or run slowly. The term has evolved over centuries to represent the gentle and continuous flow of liquid in a thin stream. Its usage initially was more associated with flowing water but has expanded to metaphorically indicate a gradual process in various contexts, such as time or movement. The transition from Old English to Middle English showed a variation in spelling and pronunciation but retained the core meaning. The linguistic roots can also be traced back to Proto-Germanic origins, reflecting how basic elements of language expand and adapt to different forms and usages in contemporary English.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,164, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.