Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Worn or soiled by frequent handling: Describes an object, especially a book or its pages, that shows signs of wear, dirt, or marks from being touched, held, or turned many times by fingers and thumbs.

Usage

• The adjective thumbed is used to describe the physical condition of an item, implying it has been used often and is not new or pristine.
• It is often used in the compound form "well-thumbed" to emphasize extensive use.
• It typically modifies nouns like , , , , or .

Examples

• The detective pulled a thumbed copy of the city guide from his coat pocket.
• She found the recipe in a thumbed old cookbook that had belonged to her grandmother.
• The most helpful sections of the manual were easily identified by their thumbed corners.

Advanced Usage

• "well-thumbed": A very common compound adjective emphasizing that an item has been used very frequently.
  • He kept a well-thumbed dictionary on his desk at all times.
• The state of being thumbed can imply value, frequent reference, or beloved use, rather than just damage.

Variants and Related Words

• Well-thumbed (adj.): A standard compound form meaning very worn from frequent use.
• Dog-eared (adj.): Having the corners of pages turned down from use (a specific type of wear often found on thumbed books).
• Worn (adj.): Damaged or thinner from long use (a more general term).

Synonyms

• Fingered: Touched or handled (can imply leaving marks).
• Soiled: Made dirty.
• Worn: Impaired or damaged by use.

Antonyms

• Pristine: In its original condition; unspoiled.
• Unblemished: Not damaged or marked.
• New: Not previously used.

Adjective

1. (of pages) worn or soiled by thumb and fingers by frequent handling or turning
   • well-thumbed pages of the dictionary