Definition

Describing a surface that has many grooves or channels, often caused by the passage of vehicles or water.

Example

The rutted road made it difficult for the car to drive smoothly.

Conversation

Did you see how rutted the path to the park is now?

Yeah, it's really hard to walk on it without tripping.

I know, we should let the city know about it.

Definitely! They need to fix it before someone gets hurt.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To make a long, deep track or groove in a surface, often caused by repeated use or movement.

Example

The heavy rain caused the dirt road to become rutted and difficult to drive on.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I noticed the trail we walked yesterday was really rutted from all the rain.

Yeah, it made the hike a bit tougher than usual.

I almost twisted my ankle on one of those deep ruts!

Root Explanation

Rutted → The word 'rutted' comes from the verb 'rut', which originates from Middle English 'rutte', meaning to make a furrow or groove, and is related to the Old English 'ryttan', meaning to clear or to plow. The suffix '-ed' indicates a past participle form. Thus, 'rutted' describes a surface that has been marked with grooves or furrows, typically by the passage of vehicles or animals.

Memory Tip

Imagine a path that has been 'plowed' or 'grooved' ('rut') by the movement of wheels or hooves, which helps you remember that 'rutted' refers to a surface marked with such grooves.

Visually Confused Words