interweave
C1Formal, literary, academic, technical (e.g., textiles, computing).
Definition
Meaning
To weave or blend two or more things together, creating a complex, interconnected whole.
To combine or mix different elements, ideas, narratives, or strands so that they become closely connected and interdependent.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate, intricate, and often inseparable combination. Often used metaphorically for abstract concepts like stories, themes, or influences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Slightly more common in literary/academic contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes complexity, artistry, and inseparability. In technical contexts (computing, textiles), it is purely descriptive.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in everyday speech; higher frequency in written, analytical, or descriptive prose.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
interweave A and Binterweave A with BA and B interweavebe/become interwoven withVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a richly interwoven narrative”
- “the interwoven fabric of society”
- “closely interwoven destinies”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in metaphors: 'The report interweaves market data with consumer trends.'
Academic
Common in humanities and social sciences: 'The author interweaves historical analysis with literary criticism.'
Everyday
Very rare. Would likely use 'mix together' or 'combine'.
Technical
Used in textiles (literal weaving) and computing (e.g., interweaving threads or data streams).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The documentary skilfully interweaves personal testimonies with archival footage.
- These traditions are deeply interwoven with the local landscape.
American English
- The novelist interweaves three distinct storylines set in different centuries.
- Economic and political factors are tightly interwoven in this crisis.
adverb
British English
- The themes are interwovenly presented throughout the symphony. (Rare/awkward)
- Typically, the past participle 'interwoven' is used adjectivally instead.
American English
- The data streams run interwovenly through the processor. (Technical, rare)
- Her arguments were interwovenly complex. (Uncommon)
adjective
British English
- The interwoven narratives create a compelling, if complex, read.
- An interwoven basket made from local reeds.
American English
- The film presents an interwoven tapestry of city life.
- The interwoven cables behind the desk were a safety hazard.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The artist likes to interweave bright and dark colours in her paintings.
- The two stories interweave to create one big adventure.
- The lecturer interwove examples from biology and economics to make her point.
- Their fates were interwoven from the very beginning.
- The biography masterfully interweaves the subject's public achievements with his private struggles.
- A complex web of alliances interwove the fates of the European kingdoms.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a weaver INTERlacing different coloured threads on a LOOM to WEAVE a complex pattern. INTER + WEAVE = INTERWEAVE.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE THREADS / NARRATIVES ARE FABRICS. Complexity is a woven tapestry.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'переплетать' in all contexts. 'Interweave' is more specific and formal than 'mix' (смешивать). In many contexts, 'intertwine' or 'blend' might be more natural English equivalents.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for simple mixing (e.g., 'Interweave the flour and eggs' – use 'mix').
- Confusing with 'intervene'.
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'combine' suffices.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the use of 'interweave' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both. Literally in textiles (weaving threads) and computing. More commonly, it is used metaphorically for combining abstract things like stories, ideas, or influences.
They are very close synonyms. 'Interweave' often suggests a more deliberate, patterned, or artistic blending (like fabric), while 'intertwine' can suggest a more tangled, organic, or inseparable connection (like vines).
It's quite formal. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say 'mix together', 'combine', or 'link'. Using 'interweave' in casual chat might sound overly literary.
The most common patterns are: 1) 'interweave A and B' (She interwove truth and fiction). 2) 'interweave A with B' (He interwove his story with historical events). 3) The passive/descriptive 'A and B are interwoven'.
Explore