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Sunk - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Sunk is the past tense of sink, meaning to descend or drop below the surface, especially in water. It can also describe irreversible losses, as in sunk costs.

sunk

/sʌŋk/ /sʌŋk/

Definition:

Past participle of sink; descended or submerged below water or another surface.

Synonyms:

submerged, immersed, drowned, settled, lowered

Part of Speech:

verb (past participle), adjective

Antonyms:

afloat, risen

Common Collocations:

sunk costs, sunk ship, sunk deep, sunk low, sunk into

Derivatives:

sunken, sinking

Usage Tips:

Use "sunk" as the past participle of "sink" (e.g., "The boat has sunk") or as an adjective (e.g., "sunk costs").

Common Phrases:

sunk without a trace, sunk in thought, sunk to new lows

Etymology:

From Old English "sincan," meaning to become submerged; past participle form influenced by Germanic roots.

Examples:

  • 1. The boat has sunk in the deep ocean.
  • 2. Her hopes sank when she heard the bad news.
  • 3. The treasure was sunk centuries ago but recently found.
  • 4. He looked like he had sunk into despair.

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