Stretched Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈstrɛtʃt/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective, Verb

Definition

Pulled or extended to a greater length, often to an unnatural or extreme extent; or to make something or someone longer or wider, often to the point of strain or discomfort.

Examples

• The athlete stretched before the game to prevent injury.
• The fabric was stretched to its limits, straining to tear.

Synonyms

• Extended
• Pulled

Antonyms

• Contracted
• Compressed

Additional Information

Stretched can be used in various contexts, from physical stretching to metaphorical extensions. In a literal sense, it describes an action or state of lengthening or extending something beyond its normal capacity.

Metaphorically, the concept of stretched can be applied to time, resources, or patience. For instance, when an individual’s patience is “stretched,” it implies that their limits are being pushed. Similarly, in art and design, the idea of stretched proportions or dimensions is a form of creative expression.

Stretched has various forms and applications in real-life situations. During winter, a person might experience stretched skin due to cold weather. In a figurative sense, a project might be stretched due to delays, and business partners might experience stretched resources.

Etymology

Stretched originated from the Old English word “stræccan,” which means to stretch or extend. This verb comes from the Proto-Germanic word “strakkiz,” and is further related to the Proto-Indo-European “streg-,” which shares the sense of pulling or stretching. Over time, the term has evolved to acquire a range of meanings across different contexts.

Usage Notes

Stretched can be used in formal and informal situations. When referring to a person’s physical activity or movement, it is best to use the verb form of the word. For instance: “She stretched after the yoga session to avoid injury.” In non-physical contexts, such as describing a company’s financial situation, Stretched can also be an adjective or a verb. For example: “Their resources were stretched to the point of insolvency.”

Cultural References

The concept of stretched has appeared in various works of popular culture, often symbolizing the strain of modern life. In Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein, the monster represents a physical and emotional extension beyond natural boundaries.

The theme of stretched limits is also addressed in the science fiction film The Matrix, where the main character discovers the artificial world around him and pushes the boundaries of his understanding and control.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Stretched to the limit
• Stretched thin
• Stretched one’s legs

Related Words or Phrases

• Protracted
• Lengthened
• Compressed

Collocations

• Stretched canvas
• Stretched muscles
• Stretched ears

Frequency of Use

The word Stretched is relatively common in everyday language. It can be found in various genres, from sports writing to product reviews. Based on Google’s Ngram Viewer, the frequency of the term has remained consistent over the past 200 years.

Common Misspellings

• Streched
• Stretchd
• Stryched