Wooden

Definition

Wooden refers to something made of wood, resembling wood, or lacking natural ease or flexibility, often used metaphorically to describe stiffness or lack of emotion.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwʊd.ən/
• Respelling: WOOD-uhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈwʊd.ən/
• Respelling: WOOD-uhn

Etymology

The word "wooden" originates from Old English "wudu," meaning "wood," combined with the suffix "-en," which denotes material or composition. The term evolved to include metaphorical meanings over time.

Derivatives

• Woodenness (noun)
• Woodlike (adjective)
• Wooded (adjective)
• Woodworking (noun/adjective)
• Woodcraft (noun)

Synonyms

• Timbered
• Rigid
• Unyielding

Antonyms

• Flexible
• Supple
• Natural

Usage

The adjective "wooden" is commonly used to describe objects crafted from wood, as in "The wooden table was beautifully carved." It can also be applied metaphorically, such as "His performance was wooden and lacked emotion."

Related Terms

• Timber: Processed wood used for building or crafting.
• Lumber: Processed wood ready for construction.
• Plank: A flat piece of wood.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Made of wood: Refers to objects constructed from wood.
  • Example: "The wooden bridge spanned the river."
• Resembling wood in appearance or texture: Refers to something that has the qualities of wood.
  • Example: "The sculpture had a wooden finish."
• Stiff or lacking natural ease: Used metaphorically to describe rigidity in movement or expression.
  • Example: "The actor's wooden performance failed to connect with the audience."