indrawn
UK[ɪnˈdrɔːn]US[ɪnˈdrɔːn]
adj
(of breath) drawn into the lungs; inhaled
adj
(of a person or manner) withdrawn, introspective, or reserved
Morpheme Breakdown
in
drawn
in
in, into, toward, within
drawn
Etymology
the word 'indrawn' is a compound formed from the english prefix 'in-' and the past participle 'drawn' of the verb 'to draw'. the verb 'draw' originates from old english 'dragan', meaning "to drag, pull, or draw," itself from proto-germanic draganą and ultimately from the pie root dʰregʰ- ("to pull, draw, drag"). the prefix 'in-' adds the directional sense of "into." therefore, the literal meaning is "drawn in," which evolved from the physical act of pulling breath into the lungs to describe the metaphorical state of a person who is psychologically pulled inward, characterized by introspection or reserve.
Analysis
Structure: in + drawn
in (old english, a prefix meaning "in, into, toward, within"); drawn (old english, past participle of the verb "draw")
Examples
she took a long, indrawn breath before speaking.
his indrawn nature made it difficult for him to socialize at large gatherings.
the meditation ended with a slow, indrawn breath and a moment of silence.