What is shattered? Pronunciation and usage in English

shattered means . Learn how to pronounce and use shattered through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of shattered

shatteredadjective

/ˈʃætəd//ˈʃætərd/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "shattered" in English. It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

  • shat - This is the first syllable.
  • tered - This is the second syllable.

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • "shat":

    • "sh": As in "shoe" – a quick, sharp "sh" sound.
    • "at": Sounds like "at" as in "cat".

  • "tered": This is where it gets a bit tricky.

    • "ter": Pronounced like the word "tar".
    • "ed": This is a released "ed". This is the key! It’s not the "ed" at the end of a verb like “walked.” It’s similar to the "t" sound in "butter" but with a slightly more drawn-out and airy quality. Think of it like you’re almost saying “tuh-red.” The "r" is lightly rolled (if you can – it's not crucial!).

3. Putting it Together (the whole word):

Say it like this: "SHAT-tered"

  • Emphasis: There's a slight pause between the two syllables.

Tips & Resources:

  • Listen to native speakers: This is the best way to learn. Here are some options:

    • Google Search: Type "how to pronounce shattered" into Google and listen to the audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/%2Ashattered%2A/ – Forvo has pronunciations by native speakers from various regions.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce shattered" – you'll find many videos.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "shattered" and compare it to a native pronunciation.

  • Focus on the "released ed": Really concentrate on that slightly airy "tuh-red" sound. That's what makes it sound right.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the word for you?
  • Give you a more detailed explanation of the "released ed"?

Usage and examples with the word shattered in English

Let's break down how to use the word "shattered" in English. It's a powerful word, carrying strong connotations of destruction and breaking.

1. Core Meaning:

At its most basic, "shattered" means to break into many small, irregular pieces. Think of it as a more dramatic and emphatic version of "break."

2. Parts of Speech & Usage:

  • Verb (most common use): This is how you'll usually encounter it. It describes the action of breaking.

    • Example: “The vase shattered on the floor when I knocked it over.”
    • Example: "Her confidence shattered after the criticism." (Here, it means her feeling was broken into pieces – less literal, but still effective).

  • Adjective (less common): "Shattered" can also describe something that has been broken or is in a state of profound distress.

    • Example: “The window was shattered by the storm.”
    • Example: “She felt shattered by the news.” (Meaning emotionally devastated).

3. Key Nuances & Connotations:

  • Suddenness & Force: "Shattered" implies a sudden, forceful break. It's not a gentle crack; it’s a collision.
  • Irregular Pieces: The pieces are not neatly broken. They’re jagged, uneven, and scattered.
  • Emotional Intensity: Beyond physical objects, "shattered" is frequently used to describe emotional states – feelings of despair, disappointment, or vulnerability.

4. Example Sentences (Varied Uses):

  • Physical: "The antique mirror shattered into a hundred pieces."
  • Emotional: "His dreams shattered when he lost his job."
  • Figurative: “The silence shattered his composure.” (Means his calmness was broken.)
  • Metaphorical: “The company’s reputation was shattered by the scandal.” (Meaning the reputation was severely damaged.)

5. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Break: (more general)
  • Crack: (suggests a less forceful break)
  • Fragment: (describes the pieces)
  • Collapse: (often used for structures)
  • Demolish: (implies forceful destruction)
  • Devastate: (for emotional impact)
  • Crush: (can be used figuratively for an emotional blow)

Tips for Using "Shattered" Effectively:

  • Show, Don't Just Tell: When describing a physical object shattering, use vivid details about the pieces and how they lay.
  • Context is Key: Think about the emotional impact you want to convey. “Shattered” works best when you're signaling a significant loss or trauma.
  • Don't Overuse: Like any strong word, “shattered” can lose its impact if used too frequently.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write about? (e.g., a story, a poem, an essay?)
  • Can you give me a sentence you’re struggling with where you want to use "shattered"?

Synonyms for the word shattered

Practice with vocabulary shattered

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The impact of the unforeseen market crash completely ______ the company's financial stability, leading to immediate layoffs.
  2. She felt deeply ______ by the sudden news of the project's cancellation, as she had invested a lot of effort into it.
  3. The investigative report unequivocally ______ the illusion of the CEO's impeccable integrity.
  4. The long-standing alliance between the two research teams eventually ______ due to irreconcilable differences in methodology.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. Following the incident, the priceless glass display case was completely ______, leaving fragments scattered across the floor. a) cracked b) scratched c) shattered d) dented
  2. The unexpected negative review from the chief editor completely ______ the author's confidence in her manuscript. a) bolstered b) fortified c) shattered d) crushed e) sustained
  3. His once impeccable reputation was severely ______ after the evidence of ethical misconduct came to light. a) enhanced b) tarnished c) glorified d) mended
  4. The sudden, piercing alarm ______ the calm atmosphere of the quiet study hall, causing everyone to jump. a) maintained b) disrupted c) calmed d) shattered e) preserved
  5. Despite extensive repair efforts, the old bridge continued to ______ under heavy loads, indicating a fundamental structural weakness. a) solidify b) strengthen c) yield d) reinforce

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The repeated security breaches utterly destroyed the public's trust in the online banking system.
    • Rewrite using "shattered":
  2. Her dream of a successful career in corporate finance was completely ruined when the global recession hit.
    • Rewrite using "shattered":
  3. The relentless pressure from competitors severely weakened the startup's position in the market.
    • Rewrite using a suitable replacement for "weakened" (do not use "shattered"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The impact of the unforeseen market crash completely shattered the company's financial stability, leading to immediate layoffs.
  2. She felt deeply disheartened by the sudden news of the project's cancellation, as she had invested a lot of effort into it.
  3. The investigative report unequivocally shattered the illusion of the CEO's impeccable integrity.
  4. The long-standing alliance between the two research teams eventually fractured due to irreconcilable differences in methodology.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) shattered
  2. c) shattered, d) crushed
  3. b) tarnished
  4. b) disrupted, d) shattered
  5. c) yield

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The repeated security breaches utterly shattered the public's trust in the online banking system.
  2. Her dream of a successful career in corporate finance was completely shattered when the global recession hit.
  3. The relentless pressure from competitors severely undermined the startup's position in the market.

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