Pronunciation: [ɹˈɪdən] (IPA) 
The word "ridden" is spelled with two syllables: /ˈrɪd·n/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, like in "sit," and the second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, like in "uh." This word is the past participle of the verb "ride," meaning to sit on and control the movement of a horse, bicycle, or other vehicle. The odd spelling of "ridden" comes from the irregular conjugation of the verb "ride."
Ridden is the past participle of the verb "ride." To ride means to sit on or astride a vehicle, such as a horse, bicycle, or motorcycle, and travel using it as a means of transportation. In its regular form, "ridden" is used as the past tense and past participle of this verb.
Ridden can also describe the state of something or someone being burdened, oppressed, or afflicted by a particular situation, condition, or emotion. For instance, someone may feel ridden with guilt, anxiety, or doubt. It implies that the individual is overwhelmed or dominated by these negative feelings.
Furthermore, "ridden" can refer to the act of exercising control or influence over someone or something, often in a manipulative or domineering manner. In this sense, it implies being controlled or dominated by someone else's power or authority.
Additionally, "ridden" can describe an object or surface that has been used or traveled on, resulting in visible signs of wear, damage, or degradation. For example, a heavily ridden bicycle may have worn-out tires or a scratched paint job.
Overall, the term "ridden" can encompass various meanings depending on the context in which it is used, including transportation, oppression, control, or physical wear and tear.
• See ride.
• Been carried or borne along, as on horseback.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "ridden" is derived from the Middle English word "riden", which comes from the Old English word "rīdan". The Old English word "rīdan" has cognates in other Germanic languages such as German "reiten" and Dutch "rijden". Ultimately, these words can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*rīdaną", meaning "to ride". The Proto-Germanic word likely has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European base "*reidh-" or "*reiðh-", which means "to go, ride".
