entwined: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal or literary, but also used in general writing and descriptive speech.
Quick answer
What does “entwined” mean?
Literally twisted or woven together, often in a complicated or inseparable way.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Literally twisted or woven together, often in a complicated or inseparable way.
Used metaphorically to describe concepts, lives, or fates that are closely interconnected, interdependent, or inseparable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling and form are identical.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. The word carries a slightly poetic or literary tone universally.
Frequency
Used with similar frequency in both BrE and AmE, perhaps slightly more common in literary and descriptive contexts in both.
Grammar
How to Use “entwined” in a Sentence
be/become/get entwined with/in/around somethingentwine (something) with/in/around (something)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “entwined” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She carefully entwined the ribbon through her daughter's plait.
- The climber's fate was entwined with the unpredictable mountain weather.
American English
- He entwined his fingers with hers.
- The film's plot entwines three separate storylines.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe intertwined market forces or corporate strategies (e.g., 'The two companies' histories are entwined.').
Academic
Common in humanities (literature, history) and social sciences to describe interconnected concepts, narratives, or causal relationships.
Everyday
Used in descriptive language, especially about relationships, stories, or physical objects like vines or cables.
Technical
Rare. Could be used in botany or textiles in a literal sense.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “entwined”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “entwined”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “entwined”
- Confusing 'entwined' (past participle/adjective) with 'entwine' (verb). Mispronouncing as /enˈtwiːnd/. Using it for temporary or simple connections.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are virtually synonymous and often interchangeable. 'Intertwined' is slightly more common and can sound a bit less literary.
Yes, commonly to describe people in close physical contact (e.g., 'entwined lovers') or metaphorically connected lives, fates, or destinies.
It is most frequently used as a past participle in passive constructions (e.g., 'were entwined') or as a predicative adjective (e.g., 'their fates are entwined').
It leans towards a formal or literary register but is not overly technical. It is perfectly acceptable in well-written general English.
Literally twisted or woven together, often in a complicated or inseparable way.
Entwined: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈtwaɪnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈtwaɪnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Our fates are entwined.”
- “To have one's destiny entwined with another's.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TWINE (a strong string) that has been ENtered into a knot or weave with another, making them one ENTWINED unit.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS PHYSICAL BINDING / RELATIONSHIPS ARE TANGLED THREADS
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'entwined' used in a primarily metaphorical sense?