missed

UK: mɪst | US: mɪst

Definition
  1. vt. (past tense of "miss") failed to hit, reach, or encounter

  2. vt. (past tense of "miss") noticed the absence or loss of

  3. vt. (past tense of "miss") escaped or avoided

Structure
miss <fail to hit/notice absence>ed <past tense suffix>
Etymology

The word "missed" originates from Old English "missan," meaning "to fail to hit or reach." The root "miss" has retained its core meaning of failure or absence across centuries. The suffix "-ed" marks the past tense, a standard feature in Germanic languages. The word's evolution reflects a straightforward combination of action and temporal marking, making it easily recognizable in modern English.

Examples
  1. She missed the target by inches.

  2. He missed his flight due to heavy traffic.

  3. They missed the chance to meet the celebrity.

  4. I missed you while you were away.

  5. The bullet missed the soldier narrowly.