Trimmed
/trɪmd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make neat or tidy by cutting or pruning; to reduce or remove.
/trɪmd/
To cut or reduce something to the desired size or shape.
I trimmed my beard.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have too much hair, or maybe a bush in your yard is getting too big. 'Trimmed' means you're cutting away the extra bits to make it look better and neater! Think of it like a haircut – the barber *trims* your hair.
👶 For kids: To make something look nice by cutting off bits that are too long or not needed.
More Examples
The barber trimmed his hair.
The company trimmed its workforce.
She carefully trimmed the edges of the wrapping paper.
How It's Used
"He trimmed the hedges to give them a neat appearance."
"She trimmed the excess fabric from the hem of the dress."
"The company trimmed its budget to reduce spending."
Arranged or decorated, often with something attractive.
/trɪmd/
Neat, tidy, and well-maintained.
The window frames were trimmed with a red wooden border.
💡 Simply: When something looks nice, neat and tidy it has been trimmed. A *trimmed* car might have a new spoiler added to it. A trimmed garden has the plants organized into different sizes and types, making it beautiful.
👶 For kids: When something looks clean and tidy, like a well-kept yard.
More Examples
The model was wearing a dress with a trimmed collar.
His trimmed beard gave him a distinguished appearance.
The trimmed garden looked inviting.
How It's Used
"The house had a trimmed garden"
"The model was wearing a trimmed dress"
Idioms & expressions
trim the sails
To adjust one's actions or strategy to suit changing circumstances; to adapt.
"The company had to trim its sails and find new markets during the recession."
From Middle English trimmen, meaning "to prepare, arrange, or adorn," likely of Germanic origin. It's related to words meaning "strong" or "firm," suggesting the original meaning of preparing something for strength or order.
The word 'trim' has been used since the Middle Ages, originally to describe preparing something, like a weapon, or a ship's sails. Its use extended to appearance and neatness over time.
Memory tip
Think of "trimming" a Christmas tree - removing excess branches to make it look its best.
Word Origin
"To make ready, prepare, or arrange."