tatter
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈtætər/
KK: /ˈtætər/
noun
Definition
A piece of cloth that is torn and hanging, often in a ragged condition.
Example
He wore a coat made of tattered fabric.
Conversation
I found this old shirt in the closet, but it’s just a tatter now.
Wow, it really is in bad shape!
I guess I should just throw it away instead of keeping that tatter around.
Definitely, it’s not worth holding onto something so torn.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
rag
shred
fragment
Antonyms
whole
intact
complete
transitive verb
Definition
To make something torn or ragged, often by pulling or wearing it down.
Example
The children tattered their clothes while playing outside.
Tense Forms
Past: tattered
Past Participle: tattered
Conversation
I really need to be careful with my backpack; I don’t want it to tatter anymore.
Yeah, I noticed it’s getting pretty worn out.
I should probably patch it up before it gets worse.
Root Explanation
Tatter originates from Middle English 'tatteren', meaning to tear or rip. It is related to the Old English 'tætere', which means to tear or rend. The word describes something that is torn or in shreds.
Memory Tip
Imagine something that is 'torn' or 'ripped' — that's why tatter refers to something in shreds.
Visually Confused Words
tater
atter
twattler
yatter
vatter
totter
titter
tetter