Trodden

Part of speech: adjective, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈtɹɒ.dən/

Definitions

1. The state of being walked on includes both physical impact from feet and a metaphorical sense of being subjected to pressure or neglect
2. A description of a surface that has been subjected to walking indicates a condition of being compressed and also could imply disregard or oppression
3. A condition resulting from the act of feet pressing down on a surface, signifying both physical wear and the figurative notion of being overlooked or mistreated

Etymology: "Trodden" is simply the older past participle of "tread", the form that survives where English once used the ending "-en" on strong verbs. The verb descends from Old English "tredan", which in turn came from a Proto-Germanic root "*trudaną" shared with the ancestors of other Germanic languages. Its ancient sense was physical: to step on something and press it down with the foot. Middle English kept the verb and its participle, and "trodden" settled into use as the participle for the "-en" form, while "tread" also came to be used as a noun for the act of stepping or for the part of a stair or tyre that meets the ground. That noun sense is a separate development from the verb, though both grew out of the same physical act of pressing with the foot.

Synonyms: walked, trampled, stomped, pounded, treaded

Antonyms: untrodden, unwalked, unvisited