Basic Details
Word: Threadbare
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Worn out, with thin and ragged fabric; used to describe something that is old and not in good condition.
Synonyms: Worn, shabby, frayed
Antonyms: New, pristine, fresh
Idioms and Phrases
- Threadbare excuse: An explanation that is weak or not convincing. Example: "His threadbare excuse for missing school didn't fool the teacher at all."
- Threadbare wisdom: Knowledge that is old and often repeated, losing its original impact. Example: "Her threadbare wisdom about life began to annoy her friends."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The chair had a threadbare cushion that needed replacing due to years of use.
Example 2: As I rummaged through the attic, I found a threadbare blanket that had belonged to my grandmother.
Example 3: His clothes were threadbare after he had worn them for so many seasons without buying new ones.
Fun Fact
The word "threadbare" comes from the idea of threads being worn down until they are bare, indicating the extent to which fabric can degrade over time. It has been used since the 14th century to describe worn clothing and broke items.
Famous Quote
"In a time of deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act." George Orwell This quote speaks to how even threadbare concepts of honesty and integrity can stand out in a world where they are often overlooked.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "threadbare" mean?
a) New and fashionable
b) Worn out and ragged
c) Bright and colourful
d) Strong and sturdy
Answer: b) Worn out and ragged
2. Which of these is a synonym of "threadbare"?
a) Pristine
b) Worn
c) Bright
d) Fresh
Answer: b) Worn
3. Which word is an antonym of "threadbare"?
a) Old
b) Shabby
c) Fresh
d) Frayed
Answer: c) Fresh
4. Which sentence uses "threadbare" correctly?
a) The threadbare shirt was bought last week.
b) She painted a threadbare picture on the wall.
c) The threadbare rug had been handed down for generations.
d) He found a threadbare telescope in the shop.
Answer: c) The threadbare rug had been handed down for generations.
5. What does the idiom "threadbare excuse" refer to?
a) A very strong argument
b) A well-prepared plan
c) A weak or unconvincing explanation
d) A new idea
Answer: c) A weak or unconvincing explanation
