Pronunciation: [wˈɪðəd] (IPA) 
The word "withered" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈwɪðərd/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short "i" sound followed by the "th" sound, similar to the word "with". The second syllable has the "er" sound, followed by the "d" sound. This word means to become dry or shriveled, as a result of losing moisture or vitality. It can be used to describe plants, flowers, or even a person's appearance or health.
Withered is an adjective that describes something that has become dry, wrinkled, or shriveled due to lack of moisture, vitality, or sustenance. It refers to a state of decline, deterioration, or decay in living organisms or inanimate objects. When used to describe a plant or flower, it indicates that it has lost its freshness, vigor, and color, often as a result of insufficient water, sunlight, or proper care. Withered plants may appear wilted, brittle, or lifeless, with their leaves or petals noticeably shrunken or discolored.
Similarly, the term can be applied to human beings or animals, describing an emaciated or haggard appearance resulting from illness, malnourishment, or old age. In this context, it denotes a loss of physical strength, vitality, or youthful appearance, often accompanied by a sense of weariness or feebleness. A withered person may have sunken eyes, sagging skin, and a lack of muscle tone.
Metaphorically, withered can be used to describe something that has lost its power, influence, or relevance. It implies a loss of vitality, energy, or significance. For example, a withered dream refers to a goal or aspiration that has faded or died out due to lack of interest, dedication, or opportunity.
Overall, withered suggests a state of decline or diminishment, whether pertaining to plants, living beings, or abstract concepts.
Become dry; faded.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "withered" can be traced back to the Old English word "witherian", which means "to shrivel, shrug, or dry up". It is related to the Middle High German word "wittern", meaning "to shrivel" or "to wither". The original Proto-Germanic root from which "wither" and its variations developed is "weth-", meaning "to blow" or "to breathe". This root is connected to the idea of drying or wilting, likely indicating the effect of wind or heat on plants or other living things. Over time, the word "withered" has come to describe the state of something that has lost its vitality, freshness, or strength.
