CRADLE Meaning and
Definition
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Cradle, in its noun form, refers to a small bed or a structure designed to hold and rock a baby or an infant gently. It is typically made up of a solid frame with open sides and a soft lining or bedding for added comfort. The purpose of a cradle is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for an infant to sleep or rest. Cradles often employ a rocking or swinging motion which is believed to help soothe and put the baby to sleep.
Furthermore, the term "cradle" can also be used metaphorically to refer to the origin or starting point of something, emphasizing the notion of care and protection. This usage suggests that in the same way a cradle is associated with providing shelter and support for infants, a cradle can symbolize the nurturing and fostering of an idea, a technology, or any development from its early stages until maturity.
Moreover, "cradle" can also serve as a verb, meaning to hold or support gently. It implies the action of carefully holding and rocking an object or a person with tenderness and care, just like a baby is cradled in a crib. The verb form can be extended to non-physical contexts, indicating the act of protecting or nurturing something with affectionate attention and support. Overall, cradle is a term that evokes sentiments of tenderness, protection, and beginnings.
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• A movable bed in which children are rocked to sleep; infancy; a framework used for various purposes, as in shipbuilding; a rocking-machine.
• To lay or rock in a cradle; to nurse tenderly.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CRADLE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CRADLE
Etymology of CRADLE
The word "cradle" has Middle English origins and can be traced back to the Old English word "cradol", which came from the Proto-Germanic word "*kradolaz". This evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root "*gredh-", meaning "to move" or "to swing". The word has cognates in various Germanic languages, such as the Dutch word "kradel" and the German word "krahe". The concept of a cradle as a bed for infants has been present since ancient times, and the word has remained relatively unchanged in its meaning over the centuries.
Idioms with the word CRADLE
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cat's cradle
The idiom "cat's cradle" refers to a complex or intricate pattern or arrangement, often used to describe a situation that is confusing, entangled, or complicated. It can also be used to refer to a game played with string, where the string is looped and twisted between the fingers to create different patterns resembling a cradle.
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cradle-to-grave
The idiom "cradle-to-grave" refers to a concept or process that spans an entire lifespan or life cycle, from birth or creation to death or disposal. It involves the concept of complete management or control over something throughout its entire existence, often emphasizing the continuity and responsibility from beginning to end. It can also be used to describe a comprehensive approach that covers all stages or aspects of a particular activity or system.
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cradle-robber
The idiom "cradle-robber" is a noun used to describe someone who is in a romantic or sexual relationship with a significantly younger partner, implying that the older person is "robbing the cradle" by being involved with someone much younger than themselves. It typically carries a negative connotation, suggesting an imbalance of power or exploitation.
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cradle-snatcher
The idiom "cradle-snatcher" refers to someone, usually an older person, who enters into a romantic or sexual relationship with someone significantly younger, often to the point where it is considered inappropriate or socially unacceptable. It implies that the person is "snatching" or pursuing someone much younger than themselves, as if taking something that doesn't rightfully belong to them.
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cradle-snatching
The idiom "cradle-snatching" refers to the act of being involved in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone significantly younger than oneself. It implies an age difference between the individuals involved, with the connotation that the older person is seeking a partner or lover who is much younger than them, often to a point that is considered inappropriate or scandalous by others.
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from cradle to grave
The idiom "from cradle to grave" refers to the entire span of a person's life, from birth to death. It emphasizes the concept of lifelong involvement or responsibility, often applicable to social welfare or government support programs that provide for individuals from birth until their death. It signifies continuity and comprehensive care throughout a person's existence.
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the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world
The idiom "the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world" means that the person who has the most influence in shaping and nurturing someone's upbringing, typically a mother or caregiver, ultimately has the power to influence the future success and behavior of that person. It suggests that those who have a significant role in raising and molding individuals can have a profound impact on society and its direction.
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robbing the cradle
The idiom "robbing the cradle" refers to the act of engaging in a romantic or sexual relationship with a significantly younger person, typically someone who is perceived to be too young for the other person involved. It implies that the older person is taking advantage of the younger person's inexperience or naivety.
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the cradle of sth
The idiom "the cradle of sth" refers to a place or region where something (such as a civilization, culture, or innovation) originated or was nurtured. It symbolizes the notion of being the birthplace or the starting point for a particular thing or concept.
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from (the) cradle to (the) grave
The idiom "from (the) cradle to (the) grave" means a complete span or range of a person's life, from birth to death. It implies the continuous journey or experience from beginning to end, encompassing all stages and aspects of life.
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rob the cradle
The idiom "rob the cradle" refers to a situation in which one person is in a romantic or sexual relationship with someone significantly younger or less experienced than themselves. It implies that the older person is taking advantage of the relative immaturity or naivety of the younger person.
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The hand that rocks the cradle
The idiom "The hand that rocks the cradle" is a phrase that refers to the power and influence of mothers or female figures in nurturing and shaping the development of children. It signifies the idea that those who care for and raise children have great impact on their values, beliefs, and overall upbringing. The idiom also emphasizes the importance of maternal influence in molding future generations.
Similar spelling words for CRADLE
- crottle,
- curdle,
- crawl,
- crate,
- credulity,
- credulous,
- cradles,
- grade,
- Cradled,
- criddle,
- crude oil,
- crude,
- Crittle,
- credal,
- credle,
- crudely,
- Crawled,
- candle.
Conjugate verb Cradle
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have cradled
you
would have cradled
he/she/it
would have cradled
we
would have cradled
they
would have cradled
I
would have cradle
you
would have cradle
he/she/it
would have cradle
we
would have cradle
they
would have cradle
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been cradling
you
would have been cradling
he/she/it
would have been cradling
we
would have been cradling
they
would have been cradling
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would cradle
you
would cradle
he/she/it
would cradle
we
would cradle
they
would cradle
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be cradling
you
would be cradling
he/she/it
would be cradling
we
would be cradling
they
would be cradling
FUTURE
I
will cradle
you
will cradle
he/she/it
will cradle
we
will cradle
they
will cradle
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be cradling
you
will be cradling
he/she/it
will be cradling
we
will be cradling
they
will be cradling
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have cradled
you
will have cradled
he/she/it
will have cradled
we
will have cradled
they
will have cradled
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been cradling
you
will have been cradling
he/she/it
will have been cradling
we
will have been cradling
they
will have been cradling
IMPERATIVE
you
cradle
we
let´s cradle
to cradle
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was cradling
you
were cradling
he/she/it
was cradling
we
were cradling
they
were cradling
PAST PARTICIPLE
cradled
PAST PERFECT
I
had cradled
you
had cradled
he/she/it
had cradled
we
had cradled
they
had cradled
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been cradling
you
had been cradling
he/she/it
had been cradling
we
had been cradling
they
had been cradling
PRESENT
I
cradle
you
cradle
he/she/it
cradles
we
cradle
they
cradle
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am cradling
you
are cradling
he/she/it
is cradling
we
are cradling
they
are cradling
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
cradling
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have cradled
you
have cradled
he/she/it
has cradled
we
have cradled
they
have cradled
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been cradling
you
have been cradling
he/she/it
has been cradling
we
have been cradling
they
have been cradling
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
cradle
SIMPLE PAST
I
cradled
you
cradled
he/she/it
cradled
we
cradled
they
cradled
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