Definition

Noun: 1. A small, torn piece of cloth or paper: A fragment of material that has been ripped or worn away from a larger piece. 2. A ragged or torn scrap: Often used in the plural form "tatters" to describe something in a state of disrepair, especially clothing.

Usage

• The singular form "tatter" is used to refer to a single, specific torn piece.
• The plural form "tatters" is far more common. It is used to describe the collective state of being torn into many pieces or being very ragged.

Examples

• Noun (singular):
  • A single tatter of the old flag still clung to the pole.
• Noun (plural):
  • His shirt was hanging in tatters after the fight.
  • The document was torn to tatters.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in tatters": To be completely torn or ruined. This idiom is often used metaphorically.
  • After the scandal, his reputation was in tatters.
  • The economy was left in tatters after the war.
• "to tear something to tatters": To rip something apart completely, either literally or by criticizing it severely.
  • The critic tore the new play to tatters in his review.

Variants and Related Words

• Tattered (adjective): Worn out and torn; in tatters.
  • He wore a tattered old coat.

Synonyms

• Shred: A strip of material, like paper or cloth, that has been torn, cut, or scraped off.
• Rag: A piece of old cloth, especially one torn from a larger piece.
• Fragment: A small part broken off or detached.
• Scrap: A small piece or amount of something, especially one that is left over.

Idioms and Phrases

• In tatters: As described in "Advanced Usage," meaning completely torn or ruined.
• Tear to tatters: As described in "Advanced Usage," meaning to destroy or criticize severely.

Noun

1. a small piece of cloth or paper