Part of Speech

Verb (past participle of "bite")

Pronunciation

/ˈbɪtən/

Definitions

• Past participle of "bite": To have inflicted a wound by cutting with the teeth.
• Figurative meaning: To have been affected or injured by something, often in a non-literal sense (e.g., "bitten by the bug" meaning to develop an intense interest in something).

Usage Examples

• "She had been bitten by a mosquito while walking in the park."
• "He was bitten by the travel bug after his first trip abroad."
• "The dog had bitten him on the arm, leaving a deep mark."

Etymology

The word "bitten" is derived from the Old English "bītan," meaning "to bite." This word has Germanic origins and can be traced to Proto-Germanic "*bitan," with cognates in other Germanic languages like Old High German "bīzan" and Old Norse "bíta." The past participle form "bitten" has been in use since the 14th century.

Synonyms

• Injured
• Wounded
• Stung
• Scratched
• Chomped

Antonyms

• Healed
• Protected
• Defended
• Guarded

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "bitten" may vary slightly across regions. In the UK, it is pronounced with a clearer 't' sound, whereas, in North America, it may sometimes sound like "biddin," with a softer 't'. In German-speaking regions, the word "gebissen" is used, which has a different pronunciation but a similar meaning.

Historical Usage

Historically, "bitten" has been used to describe the act of biting since Old English times, deriving from the Proto-Germanic root "*bitan." The word "bitten" has retained its meaning through the centuries, often used figuratively in literature to describe pain, suffering, or injury. Its use has extended into modern idioms, such as "bitten by the bug" or "bitten by the love bug," where it carries a non-literal connotation.

Cultural Nuances

The phrase "bitten" often carries cultural significance when describing suffering or misfortune. In some cultures, being "bitten" by an animal, such as a snake or mosquito, is considered a symbol of bad luck. On the other hand, idiomatic uses, like "bitten by the travel bug," have taken on positive connotations of enthusiasm or passion for something new.

More Information

The word "bitten" is not only important in its literal sense but also in its figurative meanings, which are prevalent in English idiomatic expressions. It signifies an injury, whether from an animal or from a symbolic force, such as being "bitten by the love bug," which reflects the diverse and evolving ways that the concept of biting continues to play a role in the human experience.