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wriggle

Elementary (A2)

IPA: /ˈrɪɡl/

KK: /ˈrɪɡəl/

intransitive verb
Definition

To move in a twisting or squirming way, often as a result of discomfort or to escape.


Example

The worm began to wriggle when I touched it.


Tense Forms

Past: wriggled

Past Participle: wriggled


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that snake in the garden?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was amazing how it could wriggle through the grass.
Sloth A
I was surprised at how quickly it could wriggle away from us!
Sloth B
Right? It must be a natural skill for them.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
squirm
wiggle
twist
Antonyms
stabilize
remain
stay
noun
Definition

A quick, twisting movement or motion, often resembling the movement of a worm or snake.


Example

The fish made a wriggle as it tried to escape the net.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that wriggle in the sand by the beach?
Sloth B
Yeah, it looked like something was moving underneath the surface!
Sloth A
I wonder if it was a crab or maybe a snake?
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To move in a twisting or squirming way, often used to describe small movements of the body.


Example

The child began to wriggle in his seat during the long meeting.


Tense Forms

Past: wriggled

Past Participle: wriggled


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever seen a snake wriggle across the ground?
Sloth B
Yeah, it’s fascinating to watch how they move.
Sloth A
I think it's cool how they can wriggle into tight spaces too.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Wriggle → The word 'wriggle' originates from Middle English 'wriglen', which is of uncertain origin but is thought to be related to the Old English 'wrygan' (meaning to twist or turn). The word describes a twisting or turning motion, often associated with the movement of small creatures or objects.

Memory Tip

Imagine something that 'twists' or 'turns' — that's what wriggle means, like a worm moving in a squirmy way.

Visually Confused Words
wiggle
wraggle
wiggler
swiggle
friggle
awiggle
unwriggled
outwriggle
Is this page helpful?
Could be! It definitely had a strange wriggle to it.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
wiggle
squirm
contortion
Antonyms
stillness
stability
calm
Absolutely! It makes them really good at hiding.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
squirm
wiggle
twist
Antonyms
stabilize
still
freeze