Shreds

The plural form of 'shred', referring to a small piece or fragment, often of something that has been torn, cut, or broken into irregular shapes. It can describe physical objects, but also abstract concepts like emotions, memories, or reputations, which have been diminished or ruined. The term implies damage, destruction, or a significant reduction in size or coherence. shreds can also refer to a small amount or trace, often implying the remnants of something that was once more complete or whole. The context determines the specific connotation of devastation, remnants, or a degree of incompleteness.

Shreds meaning with examples

• The old documents, brittle with age, crumbled into shreds when touched, revealing fragments of faded ink. Historians carefully gathered each tiny piece, hoping to reconstruct the historical narrative of the past. The meticulous work was slow, piece by piece, they built the full picture back up. The fragility of time and information was a sobering thought for the archivists to accept.
• After the car accident, the once gleaming vehicle was reduced to twisted metal and plastic shreds, scattered across the highway. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to clear the wreckage. The scene was a stark reminder of the force of the impact, leaving very few recognizable parts of what was once a car. All that remained were the bits and pieces.
• The scandal tore the politician's reputation to shreds, with accusations and damaging evidence quickly spreading through the media. His career and his honor, once esteemed, crumbled under the weight of the revelations. He lost his position, his allies, and his credibility. Public trust was lost for good and his legacy was forever damaged.
• Despite the argument, there was a lingering fondness for her that remained in shreds of memories, bringing both a mixture of pain and nostalgia. The relationship was over, but echoes of laughter and shared moments still lingered in their minds. Though, the bitter argument and the harsh words spoken could never be fully erased from their memories.