shaken
Shaken (adjective) means Emotionally disturbed or upset, having lost one's composure. Example: “She was visibly shaken after the near-miss on the motorway.”
How to use shaken
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEmotionally rattled, or — for a drink — mixed by shaking rather than stirring.
Word forms
more shaken comparative, shaken plural, most shaken superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She was visibly _____ after the near-miss on the motorway.
Etymology
The past participle of "shake".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for shaken
See all rhymes for shaken →Frequently asked questions
What does “shaken” mean?
The word “shaken” means emotionally disturbed or upset, having lost one's composure. In plain terms, emotionally rattled, or — for a drink — mixed by shaking rather than stirring.
How do you pronounce “shaken”?
“Shaken” is pronounced SHAYKN (/ˈʃeɪkən/ in IPA).
How do you use “shaken” in a sentence?
Here is “shaken” used in a sentence: “She was visibly shaken after the near-miss on the motorway.”
What part of speech is “shaken”?
“Shaken” is an adjective.
Is “shaken” a common word?
“Shaken” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “shaken” have?
“Shaken” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: emotionally disturbed or upset, having lost one's composure.
What is the difference between shaken and stirred?
Shaken describes a drink, such as a cocktail, that has been mixed by rapid agitation with ice, while stirred describes gentle mixing without agitation. The two methods can produce noticeably different textures and dilution in a cocktail.
Can shaken describe a person's emotional state?
Yes. Shaken is commonly used to describe someone who is emotionally disturbed or upset and has lost their composure, often after a frightening or distressing event, separate from its physical, cocktail-related sense.
What is the difference between shaken and shattered when describing emotions?
Shaken suggests someone has lost their composure and is visibly upset, but it implies a state that can recover. Shattered is a stronger term suggesting a more complete emotional breakdown.