downtrodden — oppressed or treated badly by people in positions of authority
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: oppressed or treated badly by people in positions of authority
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdaʊnˌtrɑːdən/
Example Sentences
- Even the downtrodden office intern got promoted before me - apparently bringing coffee is a crucial skill.
- The downtrodden citizens rose up against the corrupt government.
- My houseplants look so downtrodden, I think they're planning a rebellion.
downtrodden
ADJECTIVE[/ˈdaʊnˌtrɑːdən/]
oppressed or treated badly by people in positions of authority
The downtrodden factory workers trudge home after another brutal sixteen-hour shift.
The downtrodden and forgotten, left with bread that's rotten
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Downtrodden is a compound of Old English 'down' (meaning downward or beneath) and 'trodden', the past participle of 'tread' (to step or trample). The word emerged to describe the condition of being physically or metaphorically trampled underfoot, literally expressing a state of being pressed down.
Breakdown
down- (downward, beneath) + trodden (past participle of tread, meaning trampled or stepped upon). The compound conveys both literal and figurative meanings of oppression and subjugation.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Even the downtrodden office intern got promoted before me - apparently bringing coffee is a crucial skill.”
“The downtrodden citizens rose up against the corrupt government.”
“My houseplants look so downtrodden, I think they're planning a rebellion.”
“The charity organization helps downtrodden families get back on their feet.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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