In Robert Frost’s poem ‘The Road Not Taken,’ the word ‘trodden’ refers to the act of walking or stepping on something. Specifically, it describes the paths in the woods that have been walked on by people. The line ‘Because it was grassy and wanted wear’ suggests that one path was less traveled, meaning it had not been trodden as much as the other.
The poet uses ‘trodden’ to emphasize the choice between two paths. One path is well-worn, indicating it has been frequently traveled, while the other is less trodden, symbolizing a less common or unconventional choice. This contrast highlights the theme of making unique decisions and the impact those decisions have on one’s life.
In summary, ‘trodden’ in this context means walked upon, and it helps to illustrate the poet’s reflection on choices and their consequences.