Tattered Meaning and Definition
Tattered
Pronunciation
/ˈtætərd/
Part of Speech
Adj.
Definition
Frayed, worn, or torn, often referring to clothing or textiles.
Examples
- The tattered jeans had been worn for years.
- The old blanket was tattered and needed to be replaced.
Synonyms
- Frayed
- Threadbare
- Ragged
Antonyms
- New
- Pristine
- Intact
Additional Information
Tattered items often have a distressed, vintage, or worn look that can be aesthetically appealing. Tattered clothing can also be a sign of wear and tear, indicating a long history of use and ownership.
In certain contexts, tattered can also refer to something that is badly damaged or in disrepair, such as a tattered building or a tattered economy.
Etymology
The word tattered has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled “tættere” and meant “to tear or rend.” The word has since evolved to describe the state of being worn out or frayed.
Usage Notes
Tattered is often used to describe clothing, textiles, or other materials that have been worn or damaged. It can be used to add a sense of authenticity or nostalgia to descriptions or narratives.
Cultural References
Tattered appears in numerous literary and cultural references, including descriptions of Dickensian-era London, the worn denim of hippie protesters, and the frayed edges of vintage band tees.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idioms or phrases that include the word tattered include “tattered and worn,” “tattered flags,” and “tattered remnants.”
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases closely related to tattered include frayed, worn, torn, and ragged.
Collocations
Common word combinations with tattered include “tattered clothes,” “tattered fabric,” and “tattered edges.”
Frequency of Use
According to corpus analysis, tattered is a relatively infrequent word, but its usage has been increasing in recent years, particularly in contextual descriptions of fashion, textiles, and design.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of Tattered include “Tathred,” “Tatered,” and “Tatored.”