shredded
Definition
Meaning: Shred means "to cut or tear something into small, thin pieces," often using a tool or machine. It can also be used figuratively to describe emotional destruction or harsh criticism.
La signification : Shred signifie « déchiqueter » ou « mettre en lambeaux ». Il peut également être utilisé de manière figurée pour dire « anéantir » ou « critiquer sévèrement ».
Example: "She used a grater to shred the cheese for the pasta."
Grammar: This is a regular transitive verb (e.g., "shred a document"). Past tense: shredded. Present participle: shredding.
Quote: "I'm searching for a shred of humanity in that shrivelled tangle of arteries you call a heart." [Rachel Vincent]
Word Analysis
French equivalents »» Déchiqueter »» Mettre en lambeaux »» Anéantir (figuré) Ⓐ Il a déchiqueté les anciens papiers confidentiels. Ⓑ Cette critique l’a complètement anéantie. English equivalents »» Tear »» Rip up »» Destroy (figurative) Ⓐ Please shred the old documents before recycling. Ⓑ His confidence was shredded by the harsh review.
Dialogue
Liam: "Do we have anything to shred the receipts with?"
Sarah: "Yes, the shredder’s under the desk. Just be careful not to jam it."
Liam: "Thanks. I’ll shred them right now."
Poem Excerpt
Mercy
the war speaks at night
with its lips of shredded children,
with its brow of plastique
and its fighter jet breath,
and then it speaks at daybreak
with the soft slur of money
unfolding leaf upon leaf.
Tyehimba Jess
Read the Full Poem
Etymology
Origin: From Middle English shredde (noun), meaning “a strip or fragment,” from Old English scrēad (“a piece cut off”), related to the verb shredden, meaning “to cut or tear into shreds.”
Modern Usage: "Shredded" remains widely used both literally and figuratively: referring to things torn into strips (e.g., paper, fabric, meat) and, in slang, to describe a person with extremely defined muscles.
Grammar Note: Shredded is the past tense and past participle of the regular verb shred: shred, shreds, shredded, shredding.
Audience
Shredded is used in both general and informal/slang contexts. You’ll find it in cooking, fitness, and descriptive writing.
When to use: Use shredded when describing something torn into strips or finely cut (e.g., “shredded cheese,” “shredded paper”), or informally to refer to someone with a muscular physique (e.g., “He’s really shredded after months of training.”).
Extra! Extra!
For a fun and engaging exploration of our word of the day, watch the following…'Shred' defined
How to shred vegetables
WordReference
For more on idiomatic usage, visit the WordReference Forums for discussions, translations, and examples of "soothe" in context.
Here are some quick links for further exploration:
» English⇄English – Discuss and learn about words and their usage.
» English⇄French – Explore translations and linguistic nuances.
» Synonyms⇄Antonyms – Contextual variations, etc.
Common Idioms & Expressions Related to "Shred"
Not a shred of evidence
Absolutely no proof or indication of something.
Example: "There wasn’t a shred of evidence to support the accusation."
Tear to shreds
To strongly criticise or destroy something (physically, emotionally, or verbally).
Example: "The critics tore the film to shreds in the reviews."
Shredded to pieces
Completely destroyed or ruined, especially emotionally or reputationally.
Example: "After the betrayal, he felt shredded to pieces."
Shred of dignity
A small remaining amount of self-respect.
Example: "He walked away with at least a shred of dignity intact."
Shredding it
Performing exceptionally well, especially in sports or music (informal/slang).
Example: "Did you see her snowboarding? She was shredding it!"
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