interlace
C1Formal/Technical
Definition
Meaning
To cross or be crossed intricately together; to interweave or intertwine.
To mix or blend together in a complex, intricate, or alternating pattern. In computing, a method of displaying video or graphics by alternately drawing odd and even scan lines.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a deliberate, complex, and sometimes artistic pattern of crossing or mixing. Suggests a tighter, more integrated connection than 'mix' or 'combine'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. The verb is used identically. The related noun 'interlacing' is common in both technical (video) and general contexts in both variants.
Connotations
Equally formal/literary in both variants. The technical computing sense is universal.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English in literary/descriptive contexts, but the difference is marginal. The technical term is of equal frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[interlace] + with + NOUN (The branches interlaced with ivy.)[interlace] + NOUN (She interlaced her fingers.)be + [interlaced] + with + NOUN (His speech was interlaced with humour.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Interlaced fingers (a gesture of anxiety or concentration)”
- “A tapestry interlaced with gold (something rich and complex)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in metaphors for complex strategies or merged services (e.g., 'interlaced supply chains').
Academic
Used in literature, art history, and media studies to describe thematic or structural complexity.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual speech. Used descriptively for physical intertwining (hair, vines, fingers).
Technical
Common in computing and video technology ('interlaced video scan', 'interlaced GIF').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The ancient hedgerows were interlaced with wild honeysuckle.
- She interlaced her fingers on the desk, a picture of nervous concentration.
- The film's narrative cleverly interlaces past and present.
American English
- The cables were intricately interlaced behind the server rack.
- He interlaced his arguments with relevant data points.
- The vines had interlaced so densely they formed a wall.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used; 'interlacedly' is non-standard).
American English
- (Rarely used; 'interlacedly' is non-standard).
adjective
British English
- The interlaced pattern on the Celtic knot was stunning.
- They studied interlaced video formats.
American English
- An interlaced design adorned the manuscript's border.
- The system uses an interlaced scanning method.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children interlaced their arms to form a circle.
- The ribbons were interlaced in her hair.
- The author skillfully interlaced two plot lines throughout the novel.
- Roots from the different trees had become interlaced underground.
- His lecture interlaced philosophical concepts with contemporary political examples.
- The digital image suffered from flicker due to its interlaced format.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of LACE – something delicate with threads crossing over and under. INTER-LACE means to lace threads together between each other.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLEXITY IS PHYSICAL WEAVING (e.g., 'interlaced narratives', 'interlaced arguments').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating as 'переплетать' for simple mixing; it's more specific. 'Интерлейс' is a false friend from computing; in general language, it's not a borrowed term.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'interlace' for simple 'connect' or 'join' (requires crossing pattern).
- Confusing 'interlace' (mutual weaving) with 'interface' (a surface meeting).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'interlace' used as a precise technical term?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different. 'Interlace' means to weave together. 'Interface' is a point where two systems meet or interact.
Yes, it is commonly used for abstract concepts like narratives, themes, or arguments to suggest they are complexly combined.
To disentangle, separate, or untwine. The process of removing the interlacing is 'disentanglement'.
It is not a high-frequency everyday word. It belongs to a more formal or technical register (C1 level).
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