VocabDictionary

sheltered

/ˈʃɛltərd/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.adjective

Protected from difficult, harmful, or unpleasant living conditions and the realities of the real world.

Example Sentences:
  • She grew up in a very sheltered environment and had little experience of hardship.
  • His sheltered upbringing left him unprepared for the competitive corporate world.
2.adjective

Protected from bad weather or danger; affording physical refuge.

Example Sentences:
  • We parked the boat in a sheltered cove away from the high winds.
  • The delicate plants need to be kept in a sheltered spot during the winter.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “sheltered”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the past participle of the verb 'shelter', which comes from Middle English 'scheltrun' or 'sheltrun', meaning a battle array or defensive screen (from Old English 'scieldtruma', composed of 'scield' meaning shield and 'truma' meaning troop or host). Over time, the meaning shifted from a military shield-wall to physical protection from the elements or danger, and later to a metaphorical protection from harsh realities.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone under a giant 'shield' (shelter) that blocks out the harsh weather and dangers of the outside world.

Frequently Asked Questions About “sheltered

1. What is the meaning of “sheltered” in English?

In English, sheltered (adjective) is defined as: “Protected from difficult, harmful, or unpleasant living conditions and the realities of the real world.”.

2. How do you use “sheltered” in a sentence?

She grew up in a very sheltered environment and had little experience of hardship.

3. What are English synonyms of “sheltered”?

Common synonyms include:protected,shielded,insulated,secluded,guarded

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “sheltered”?

Derived from the past participle of the verb 'shelter', which comes from Middle English 'scheltrun' or 'sheltrun', meaning a battle array or defensive screen (from Old English 'scieldtruma', composed of 'scield' meaning shield and 'truma' meaning troop or host). Over time, the meaning shifted from a military shield-wall to physical protection from the elements or danger, and later to a metaphorical protection from harsh realities.