enˈtanglement: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “enˈtanglement” mean?
The state of being twisted together or involved in a complicated situation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The state of being twisted together or involved in a complicated situation.
1. A complicated or compromising relationship. 2. (Physics) A quantum phenomenon where particles remain connected. 3. An obstruction formed by twisted material.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage identical; 'quantum entanglement' is equally technical in both.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/legal in UK ("matrimonial entanglements"); more often physical/metaphorical in US.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly higher in US due to popular science contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “enˈtanglement” in a Sentence
entanglement in + NOUN (situation)entanglement with + NOUN (person/entity)entanglement of + NOUN (objects/threads)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enˈtanglement” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cables became entangled behind the desk.
- She didn't want to entangle herself in office politics.
American English
- The fishing line got entangled in the propeller.
- He entangled himself in a web of lies.
adverb
British English
- The wires lay entangledly in the box. (rare)
American English
- The strings were entangledly knotted. (rare)
adjective
British English
- The entangled ropes took an hour to separate.
- They were in an entangled legal dispute.
American English
- The entangled vines covered the fence.
- Their finances were deeply entangled.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to complicated financial or contractual obligations.
Academic
Core term in quantum physics; used in law/political science re: complex involvements.
Everyday
Describes complicated personal relationships or physical tangles (e.g., wires).
Technical
Quantum entanglement: correlation between quantum particles regardless of distance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “enˈtanglement”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “enˈtanglement”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enˈtanglement”
- Using 'entanglement' for simple connections (overly strong).
- Confusing with 'engagement'.
- Misspelling: 'intanglement'.
- Using as a verb (the verb is 'entangle').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It usually implies problematic complexity, though 'quantum entanglement' is neutral/scientific.
No. It's a specific type of relationship that is complicated, confining, or difficult to exit.
'Tangle' is often physical and can be minor. 'Entanglement' is more formal, abstract, and implies serious complication.
E.g., "I ended the romantic entanglement because it was too complicated."
The state of being twisted together or involved in a complicated situation.
Enˈtanglement is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Enˈtanglement: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈtæŋ.ɡəl.mənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈtæŋ.ɡəl.mənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A diplomatic entanglement”
- “To avoid foreign entanglements (historical/political)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tangled fishing NET that you have to GET out of → en-TANGLE-ment.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELATIONSHIPS/DIFFICULTIES ARE TANGLED THREADS/KNOTS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'entanglement' used most precisely?