flattened

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "flattened" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective to describe an object or surface that is no longer higher or fuller than before, or something that has been made flat. For example: "The impact of the car caused the metal to flatten against the wall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Swaths of the semi-rural township and pastoral environs have been bulldozed, flattened, rezoned, redeveloped, and covered with "people farms".

The Guardian - Opinion

But in that case, why not permit the use of the heavy roller, which flattened things out considerably in Nottinghamshire's previous home game against Lancashire? Brown described that as "a tactical decision", which left him "very surprised".

The Guardian - Sport

Beckham's crime, if you do need reminding, was to give Diego Simeone a��light flick on the calf in retaliation for being flattened during a World Cup game with Argentina.

The Guardian - Sport

They are unmistakable even from a distance with their distinctive flattened, brightly coloured bill," she said.

The Guardian

He sped past Porsches, Maseratis and "mother-of-pearl Rolls-Royces", he and his wife flattened against the back seat.

The Guardian - Film

This afternoon its trumpets were in full bloom, comfortably upright in a blustery April wind that had flattened more refined, weaker-stemmed modern cultivars in gardens.

The Guardian

A border patrol agent for 13 years, he knows how to spot the clues, some obvious – like the jeans – others more subtle, like the flattened grass nearby that formed a northwards path through dense bushes.

The Guardian

In fact, the curve goes in exactly the opposite direction: capitalism started out unequal, flattened inequality for much of the 20th century, but is now headed back towards Dickensian levels of inequality worldwide.

The Guardian - Books

The proof on this occasion was breast-ironing, a horrific practice in which the breasts of girls are flattened with hot objects to delay the onset of puberty.

The Guardian

Only a few weeks into its release, the film has been flattened into a symbol to serve the interests of an ideology that, arguably, runs counter to the ethos of the film itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sammy the demolition man (Who flattened the poet's house In Ashley Avenue, its roof Crashing into that homestead, Then all the floors, poetry And conversation collapsing) Slices the sawdusty tons, Wooden manhole-covers, An imagined underground.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flattened" to describe physical objects or surfaces that have been made flat or even. For figurative uses, ensure the context clearly conveys the intended meaning, such as "flattened" enthusiasm or "flattened" hopes.

Common error

Avoid using "flattened" in abstract contexts where other words like "diminished" or "suppressed" would be more appropriate. Overuse can dilute its impact and make your writing less precise.

Linguistic Context

The word "flattened" primarily functions as a past participle adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that has been made flat or even. Ludwig indicates its correct and usable status in written English, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flattened" functions primarily as a past participle adjective, frequently used to describe something made flat or even. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, mainly in news and media. While grammatically sound and widely applicable, it's advisable to choose more precise alternatives like ""leveled"" or ""compressed"" in specific contexts to maintain clarity. Avoid overuse in figurative senses, and ensure your writing benefits from its descriptive power. Considering its high frequency and diverse applications, mastering "flattened" will significantly enhance your writing skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leveled

Implies making something even or flat, often by using force or removing irregularities.

compressed

Suggests reducing something in size or volume by applying pressure.

crushed

Indicates severe compression or deformation, often resulting in damage.

pressed

Implies applying steady force to make something flat or smooth.

squashed

Suggests flattening something soft or yielding under pressure.

paved

Used when the action results in a flat, even surface, like a road.

rolled out

Often used in the context of dough or other malleable materials.

smoothed

Implies removing bumps or irregularities to create a flat surface.

razed

Used to indicate that a building has been demolished so that the ground is now flat.

degraded

Suggests reducing something to a lower level, such as social status.

FAQs

How can I use "flattened" in a sentence?

"Flattened" can be used to describe something that has been made flat or even, such as "The car was "flattened" by the tree" or "The dough was "flattened" with a rolling pin."

What are some alternatives to using "flattened"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "leveled", "compressed", or "crushed" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "flattened out" instead of "flattened"?

Both "flattened" and "flattened out" can be correct, depending on the context. "Flattened" is often used to describe a state, while "flattened out" can describe the process of becoming flat.

What's the difference between "flattened" and "compressed"?

"Flattened" generally implies making something flat or even, while ""compressed"" suggests reducing something in size or volume through pressure. For example, a pancake is ""flattened"", while trash in a compactor is ""compressed"".