Definition of the word gnarled

Pronunciation of vocabulary gnarled

gnarledadjective

ngớ ngẩn

/nɑːld//nɑːrld/

Origin of the word gnarled

The word "gnarled" has a fascinating etymology. It originates from the Old English word "gnærr", meaning "rough" or "wrinkled". This word was likely influenced by the Middle English word "gnar", which meant "to gnaw" or "to eat away", possibly referring to the way roots or branches of trees can gnaw into the surrounding soil or bark. Over time, the spelling and meaning of the word evolved. By the 15th century, "gnarled" referred specifically to the twisted and knotty appearance of tree branches, often due to age or disease. Today, the word is often used to describe not just physical objects, but also figurative notions of something that is rough, irregular, or distorted. Despite its evolution, the word "gnarled" still retains its connection to the rough and rustic, evoking images of ancient, weathered trees.

Vocabulary summary gnarled

typeadjective

meaninggnarled, bony (tree trunk, branch; finger...)

meaning(figurative) grumble, grumble, grumpy (person)

Example of vocabulary gnarlednamespace

meaning

twisted and rough; with hard parts growing all over it

xoắn và thô ráp; với những phần cứng mọc khắp nơi

  • a gnarled oak/branch/trunk

    một cây sồi/nhánh/thân cây có xương xẩu

  • The old oak tree in the cemetery had gnarled branches that twisted and turned like the skeletal fingers of a long-dead wraith.

    Cây sồi già trong nghĩa trang có những cành cây cong queo, xoắn lại như những ngón tay xương xẩu của một bóng ma đã chết từ lâu.

  • The roots of the ancient tree snaked across the forest floor like gnarled serpents, dragging the earth behind them.

    Rễ của cây cổ thụ này trườn dài trên nền rừng như những con rắn xoắn, kéo lê mặt đất phía sau chúng.

  • The arthritic fingers of the trees' gnarled bark felt rough and prickly against my skin as I passed by.

    Những ngón tay viêm khớp của lớp vỏ cây sần sùi tạo cảm giác thô ráp và gai góc trên làn da của tôi khi tôi đi qua.

  • The gnarled wooden pews in the church stirred with age, as if they too held secrets and tales that only the wise and venerable could unravel.

    Những dãy ghế gỗ cong queo trong nhà thờ rung chuyển theo thời gian, như thể chúng cũng ẩn chứa những bí mật và câu chuyện mà chỉ những người thông thái và đáng kính mới có thể khám phá ra.

meaning

bent and twisted because of age or illness

cong và vặn vẹo vì tuổi tác hoặc bệnh tật

  • gnarled hands

    bàn tay xương xẩu

  • His hands were gnarled with age and arthritis.

    Bàn tay ông xương xẩu vì tuổi tác và bệnh viêm khớp.

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary gnarled

Idioms of vocabulary gnarled

have/want none of something
to refuse to accept something
  • I offered to pay but he was having none of it.
  • They pretended to be enthusiastic about my work but then suddenly decided they wanted none of it.
    • none but
    (literary)only
  • None but he knew the truth.
    • none the less
    despite this fact
    none other than
    used to emphasize who or what somebody/something is, when this is surprising
  • Her first customer was none other than Mrs Obama.

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