WordGarden.ioraggedly
B2Pronunciation
UK
US
- /rˈæɡɪdli/
Meanings
Adverb
with a rough, frayed, uneven, or tattered appearance
with harsh, uneven breathing or in a strained, broken way from physical distress
Beyond the definition
Imagine an old scarecrow patched together with mismatched fabric: its clothes hang raggedly in the wind. This word describes something that looks or happens in a rough, uneven, or untidy way. A child might tear paper raggedly, leaving jagged edges instead of a clean, straight line. It often suggests wear, damage, or a lack of neatness. You would not use it for something smooth or carefully finished, but you might describe an old fisherman's net sagging raggedly after years at sea.
The word raggedly describes an action or appearance that is rough around the edges—literally or figuratively. It emphasizes unevenness, messiness, and often, a sense of heavy wear and tear. Think of a coastline where cliffs have been eroded raggedly by the sea over centuries, leaving behind jagged, unpredictable shapes instead of smooth slopes.
Raggedly isn't just about physical appearance; it can also describe the way something is done. A singer with a powerful but untrained voice might sing raggedly, full of raw emotion but lacking smooth control. A tired runner might breathe raggedly at the end of a race, or a torn flag might flap raggedly in a strong wind.
The root of raggedly comes from "rag," suggesting something frayed, worn, or made of scraps. It often implies a lack of care or precision, though it can also possess a certain natural charm—like wildflowers growing raggedly along a sun-drenched roadside. You might say a handmade quilt was sewn raggedly, with uneven stitches that give it a warm, imperfect, and lived-in feel.
So, if something is moving, looking, or being handled in a rough, uneven way—if it lacks smoothness or a clean finish—it is happening raggedly. It is a word that evokes texture, imperfection, and a touch of wildness.
Examples
- 1
Physical reaction
After the run, he stood by the gate, breathing raggedly.
- 2
Emotional speech
She answered raggedly, still trying not to cry.
- 3
Storm damage
The old flag hung raggedly from the porch after the storm.
- 4
Uneven ending
The applause ended raggedly, with a few people still clapping after everyone else stopped.
- Phraseended raggedly
ended unevenly, not all at the same time
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- raggedlyadverb