Shrunk
[ʃrʌŋk]
Definitions
2 meaningsTo have become smaller, especially due to heat or pressure.
[ʃrʌŋk]
Past tense and past participle of "shrink"
The cookies shrunk in the oven.
💡 Simply: Imagine you put your jeans in the dryer, and they're suddenly too short! That's what it means when something 'shrunk'. Like when a balloon gets smaller when you let the air out, or your favorite shirt looks like it's made for a doll after it accidentally goes through a hot wash!
👶 For kids: When something gets smaller!
More Examples
My ambitions have shrunk since I started my new job.
The company's profits shrunk during the economic downturn.
How It's Used
"The sweater shrunk in the wash."
Having become smaller than before.
[ʃrʌŋkən]
Smaller than it originally was
She held a shrunken version of her childhood photo.
💡 Simply: Something's shrunken when it's not as big as it used to be. Like when you find a shrunken toy.
👶 For kids: Smaller than before.
More Examples
The explorers found a shrunken boat that barely kept afloat.
They found a shrunken version of their favorite dessert.
How It's Used
"The shrunken head was a macabre artifact."
"His shrunken expectations meant he could still enjoy the small things."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Past participle of "shrink", from Old English "scrincan" meaning "to shrink, wither, contract".
The past tense of "shrink" has evolved, with "shrunk" now being the standard past tense and "shrunken" the preferred past participle, although "shrunk" is also common as a past participle.
Memory tip
Think of your favorite shirt that went through the dryer and now doesn't fit. It shrunk!