tired
tired
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "tired" is /ˈtaɪərd/.
/ˈtaɪərd/
Word Form Variations
Adjective: tired (positive), more tired (comparative), most tired (superlative)
Verb: tire (base form), tires (third person singular present), tiring (present participle), tired (past simple, past participle)
Noun: tiredness (derived noun)
Adverb: tiredly (less common)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adjective
Definition 1: Feeling a need to rest or sleep; fatigued or exhausted.
Synonyms: fatigued, exhausted, weary, drained, sleepy, worn out, jaded
Antonyms: energetic, rested, fresh, invigorated, lively, alert
Definition 2: Having used up all one's strength or patience; fed up with something.
Synonyms: fed up, sick of, weary of, exasperated, bored, annoyed
Antonyms: enthusiastic, interested, eager, refreshed, patient
Definition 3: (Of a concept, joke, or style) Worn out or unoriginal; hackneyed.
Synonyms: hackneyed, clichéd, stale, unoriginal, trite, worn out
Antonyms: fresh, original, novel, new, innovative, groundbreaking
Definition 4: (Of something mechanical or physical) Worn out or having lost its effectiveness.
Synonyms: worn, dilapidated, decrepit, spent, faded
Antonyms: new, fresh, pristine, effective, strong
Verb (Past Simple and Past Participle of "to tire")
Definition 1: (Past tense of "tire") Caused to feel sleepy or exhausted.
Example usage: "The long journey tired him out."
Synonyms: exhausted, fatigued, wearied, drained
Antonyms: invigorated, refreshed, rested
Definition 2: (Past participle of "tire") Became weary or bored with.
Example usage: "She quickly tired of the constant arguments."
Synonyms: fed up with, weary of, bored with
Antonyms: interested in, engaged by
Examples of Use
Books:
"He dragged himself home, utterly tired from the long day's labor in the fields." (Fictional example from a historical novel or agricultural setting)
"The detective was growing tired of the elusive suspect's games, his patience wearing thin." (Fictional example from a crime thriller)
"The author's use of overly familiar tropes made the plot feel tired and uninspired." (From a literary criticism, commenting on a book's originality)
Newspapers:
"Nairobi residents are tired of perennial water shortages and call on authorities to find lasting solutions." ("Daily Nation,")
"The veteran politician's campaign message was criticized as tired and out of touch with current voter concerns." ("The Standard,")
"Marathon runners often experience extreme muscle soreness and fatigue after the race." ("Sports News,") - Here, "fatigue" is synonymous with being "tired."
Online Publications:
"Are you always tired? Five common reasons for chronic fatigue and how to combat them." (An article on a health and wellness blog, e.g., WebMD)
"The tech giant's latest presentation featured a surprisingly tired design, lacking the innovation of previous years." (A tech review on "The Verge,")
"I'm so tired of endless online meetings; I miss face-to-face interaction." (A comment on a professional networking forum, e.g., LinkedIn)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I'm too old for this sh*t." (Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon, 1987) - This expresses a feeling of being "tired" of difficult situations.
Television Series: "After days without sleep, the survivors were visibly tired, but their will to live remained strong." (Narration from a reality survival show, e.g., Survivor)
Song Lyrics: "I'm tired of being tired, sick and tired of being sick and tired." (From a blues or protest song expressing deep weariness)
Video Games: "Your character is too tired to continue. Find a safe spot to rest before proceeding." (In-game notification or status update, e.g., Red Dead Redemption 2)
Podcasts: "Our guest discusses why so many people feel constantly tired despite getting enough sleep, exploring underlying health issues." (A podcast on health and well-being, e.g., The Doctor's Farmacy)
General Public Discourse:
"I'm so tired after work; I just want to go home and sleep." (A common complaint after a long day)
"Are you getting tired of this traffic yet?" (A casual question to someone stuck in a jam)
"That's a pretty tired excuse; you need to come up with something better." (A critical comment on an unconvincing explanation)
"My old car's engine is getting a bit tired; it needs a service." (Describing the worn state of a machine)
"I'm tired of all the drama; I just want some peace." (Expressing frustration with a situation)
10 Quotes Using Tired
"I'm tired of being tired, sick and tired of being sick and tired." (Fannie Lou Hamer, 1964)
"I'm too old for this sh*t." (Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon, 1987) - This widely recognized quote directly expresses being "tired" of difficult situations.
"I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship." (Louisa May Alcott, Little Women, 1868) - This implies enduring challenges when one might feel "tired."
"I'm so tired of being lonely, I'm so tired of being alone." (Song lyric, often found in blues or sad songs)
"When you're tired, you're more likely to make mistakes." (Common wisdom, widely attributed)
"I am tired of fighting. Our chiefs are killed. Looking Glass is dead. Toohoolhoolzote is dead. The old men are all dead. It is the young men who say yes or no." (Chief Joseph, 1877)
"I've grown so tired of being wrong." (Lesser-known, but often found in contexts of seeking truth or change)
"My body is tired, but my spirit is strong." (Common motivational phrase, widely attributed)
"The world is full of nice people. If you can't find one, be one. If you can't be one, maybe you're too tired." (Original quote)
"If I look tired, it's because I'm building an empire." (Unknown, widely shared motivational quote)
Etymology
The word "tired" comes from the Old English verb tīrian or tȳrian.
This Old English verb meant "to fail," "to become weary," or "to exhaust." It implied a process of becoming worn out or losing strength.
The suffix "-ed" then turned this verb into an adjective, describing the state of being worn out.
The first known use of "tired" as an adjective, with the meaning of "weary from exertion; fatigued," dates back to the early 13th century (Middle English period).
So, while the root verb is older, the adjective "tired" as we use it today, describing a state of fatigue, has been in the language for nearly a thousand years. Its meaning then expanded metaphorically to describe ideas or things that are "worn out" or "stale."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Tired
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "tired":
Tired and true: (Less common than "tried and true") Something that has been used or relied upon for a long time and found dependable.
Sick and tired of (something): Completely fed up with or exasperated by something.
Dead tired: Extremely exhausted.
World-weary: Feeling or indicating a sense of weariness, disillusionment, or cynicism about the world. (Synonymous with emotionally "tired")
Tired out: Exhausted; completely fatigued.
Bone tired: Extremely tired, to the point of aching.
A tired old joke/cliché: Something that is overused, unoriginal, and no longer funny or effective.
To look tired: To appear weary or fatigued.
Tired blood: (Archaic) A condition of weakness or low energy, often associated with old age.
Run-down: In a poor or dilapidated condition due to neglect or overwork. (Can apply to a person or thing that is "tired")
Worn to a frazzle: Completely exhausted or worn out. (Synonym for "extremely tired")
To be in need of rest: To be fatigued and require sleep or relaxation. (Synonym for "feeling tired")
Beyond exhaustion: An extreme state of fatigue. (Synonym for being "tired" to the maximum)
The last straw: The final annoyance or difficulty that makes one lose patience. (Can lead to being "sick and tired" of something)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of tired from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
