enlace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very low (archaic/poetic)Literary, archaic, poetic; used in ceremonial or formal contexts (e.g., wedding vows).
Quick answer
What does “enlace” mean?
To twist, interweave, or entwine together.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To twist, interweave, or entwine together; to encircle or bind with something.
To link or connect in a complex or intricate way; to entangle figuratively, as in a relationship or situation. In some contexts, it can be a rare or poetic synonym for embrace.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare in both varieties. Slight potential for higher recognition in UK due to French influence, but negligible.
Connotations
Poetic, ceremonial, old-fashioned. In wedding ceremonies, it might appear in the phrase 'to enlace hands'.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. More likely encountered in 19th-century literature or specific fixed phrases than in contemporary prose.
Grammar
How to Use “enlace” in a Sentence
[Subject] enlace [Object] (with [Instrument])Their fingers enlaced.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “enlace” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They enlaced their fingers during the ceremony.
- The ivy enlaced itself around the old oak tree.
American English
- The dancers enlaced their arms in a complex figure.
- The narrative enlaces the fates of three families.
adverb
British English
- No common adverb form in use.
American English
- No common adverb form in use.
adjective
British English
- No common adjective form in use.
American English
- No common adjective form in use.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; might appear in literary analysis or historical texts describing physical actions.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Possible in very niche fields like textile arts or botany to describe growth patterns.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “enlace”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “enlace”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “enlace”
- Misspelling as 'inlace' or 'enlas'. Incorrectly using it as a synonym for 'enlist' or 'embrace' (though archaic embrace exists).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or literary in modern English.
Confusing it with the much more common word 'enlist' (to join the military or recruit).
Very rarely and archaically. Its primary meaning is to intertwine. 'Embrace' is the standard modern word for a hug.
Not in standard use. The related noun would be 'enlacement', but it is exceedingly rare.
To twist, interweave, or entwine together.
Enlace is usually literary, archaic, poetic; used in ceremonial or formal contexts (e.g., wedding vows). in register.
Enlace: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈleɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈleɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to 'enlace'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LACE being woven or interlaced. EN + LACE = to put into a laced/intertwined state.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS PHYSICAL INTERWEAVING (e.g., 'Their lives were enlaced.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'enlace' LEAST likely to be used?