Fingered

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈfɪŋɡərd/

Definitions

• Having fingers, especially used to describe something with distinct or noticeable finger-like parts.
• Marked or affected by the use of fingers, such as in "fingered" markings or impressions left by fingers.
• Used in some contexts to describe someone who has been implicated or blamed for something, e.g., "He was fingered for the crime."

Usage Examples

• The artist carefully fingered the clay, molding it into intricate shapes.
• The thief had left fingered prints on the glass surface.
• He was fingered as the mastermind behind the scheme.

Etymology

The word "fingered" is derived from the verb "finger," which comes from the Old English word "fingrian," meaning "to touch or handle with the fingers." The word has evolved over time to describe both the act of using fingers as well as to describe the marks or impressions left by fingers, and later used in slang to refer to implicating someone in wrongdoing.

Synonyms

• Handled
• Implicated
• Marked
• Touched

Antonyms

• Untouched
• Unmarked
• Clear

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "fingered" is commonly pronounced the same across English-speaking regions, though slight differences in emphasis may occur depending on regional accents. For example, speakers from the UK might use a slightly softer 'r' sound than those in the US.

Historical Usage

The term "fingered" has been used since the Middle Ages in English, initially referring to something that was marked or manipulated with fingers. Over time, it developed additional meanings in criminal contexts, where it referred to someone being identified or implicated in a wrongdoing (i.e., "fingered for a crime").

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, the word "fingered" might take on a variety of meanings. While it often implies a physical action in Western cultures, it can be used metaphorically in many languages to imply someone being identified or blamed for something. In some Asian languages, it is used less commonly in the criminal sense and more often in its literal form.

More Information

Although "fingered" is a relatively straightforward term, its usage in both physical and figurative senses allows it to convey a variety of meanings. Historically, it plays an important role in criminal slang, where someone "fingered" another person could mean they have been accused or identified. The word is still used today in this context, though its origin as a term for touching or handling with the fingers is still relevant in certain trades, arts, and crafts.