The word "cragged" is spelled with the letters C, R, A, G, G, E, and D. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈkræɡd/. The "c" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound, followed by the "r" which is a voiced alveolar approximant. The "a" sound is pronounced as a short "æ" sound, followed by the double "g" pronounced as a hard "g". The "e" is pronounced as a schwa sound, and the final "d" is pronounced as a voiced alveolar stop. The word means rough or uneven, often referring to a rocky terrain.
Cragged is an adjective that describes something as rough, rugged, or unevenly shaped with projecting points or rocks. It refers to a surface or terrain that is characterized by jagged, steep, or irregular features. The word "cragged" is typically used to describe natural landscapes such as mountains, cliffs, or rock formations.
When applied to mountains or hills, cragged suggests a rough and uneven physical structure, often appearing steep or precipitous. It implies the presence of rocky outcrops or protruding peaks within a landscape. This term is frequently associated with challenging or treacherous mountaineering conditions.
In relation to cliffs or coastlines, cragged describes an irregular or jagged line that is formed by the presence of rocky formations. It captures the essence of rough or wild coastlines, where the land meets the sea with ragged edges, sharp rocks, and possibly inaccessible or dangerous areas.
The term "cragged" can also be used in a figurative sense to describe a person's appearance or demeanor. It implies a rugged or weathered appearance, suggesting a person who has experienced a challenging or difficult life. In this context, cragged highlights the presence of lines, creases, or a weather-beaten complexion, often associated with wisdom or resilience.
Overall, cragged refers to ruggedness, unevenness, or the presence of sharp or jagged features in both physical landscapes and metaphorical contexts, capturing the essence of roughness, wildness, and adversity.
Covered with crags or broken rocks; rugged.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "cragged" is derived from the Middle English word "craggyd", which comes from the Old Norse word "kragi", meaning "hooked or twisted". It is ultimately related to the Proto-Germanic word "krakja", which means "to croak" or "to cry hoarsely". In Old English, the term "crag" referred to a steep or rugged cliff or rock formation, and "cragged" was used to describe something full of or resembling crags. Over time, the spelling of the word evolved to "cragged". Today, "cragged" is primarily used as an archaic or literary word to describe something rugged, rough, or uneven.