entwine
C1Formal/Literary
Definition
Meaning
to twist together, to interweave physically or metaphorically.
To become closely connected or intermingled in a complex or inseparable way; often used for stories, fates, relationships, or abstract concepts.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly implies an inseparable, intricate, or decorative intertwining. It often conveys a sense of deliberate, graceful, or destined connection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. 'Entwine' is slightly more literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of intricate connection.
Frequency
Equally common (and relatively uncommon) in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
entwine A with Bentwine A and BA and B are entwinedentwine (intransitive)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “inextricably entwined”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly used metaphorically: 'Our company's success is entwined with the local economy.'
Academic
Common in humanities/literature to describe interconnected ideas, narratives, or historical forces.
Everyday
Less common, used for physical objects (Christmas lights, cables) or close relationships.
Technical
Rare, except perhaps in botany or textile descriptions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The climber's rope was carefully entwined around the sturdy oak.
- Their personal and professional lives became deeply entwined.
American English
- The ivy entwined itself around the mailbox post.
- The movie's plot entwines three separate storylines.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The entwined ribbons formed a beautiful pattern.
American English
- They walked away, their fingers remaining entwined.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The two kittens slept with their tails entwined.
- Please don't entwine the headphone cables.
- The roots of the old trees were completely entwined.
- Our family histories are strangely entwined.
- The political and economic narratives of the two nations are deeply entwined.
- She entwined fresh flowers into her daughter's braid.
- The author masterfully entwines themes of loss and redemption throughout the novel.
- The destinies of the two rivals were forever entwined after that pivotal battle.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two vines TWINEd together ENtirely.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELATIONSHIPS/IDEAS ARE PHYSICALLY INTERWOVEN OBJECTS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'переплести' in contexts where 'mix up' or 'confuse' is meant; 'entwine' lacks the confusion connotation. It's more about deliberate or natural interconnection.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'entwined' (past participle) as a base form. Incorrect: *'They entwine their lifes.' Correct: 'They entwine their lives.' or 'Their lives are entwined.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the closest meaning to 'entwine' as used in 'their fates were entwined'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are virtually synonymous. 'Intertwine' is perhaps slightly more common in everyday speech, while 'entwine' can sound a touch more literary or deliberate.
It can be both. Transitive: 'She entwined the ribbons.' Intransitive: 'The vines entwined naturally.'
Yes, very frequently. It's often used for stories, destinies, ideas, histories, and relationships becoming closely linked.
Using it in overly simplistic physical contexts where 'tangle' or 'twist' would be more natural. 'Entwine' suggests a more intricate or deliberate pattern.
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