intwine
Rare/ObsolescentLiterary/Archaic
Definition
Meaning
To twist or coil something together, especially threads or vines; to interlace.
To be closely connected or intermingled in a complex, inseparable way. Also used metaphorically to describe stories, destinies, or abstract concepts that are interconnected.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Intwine" is a historical, less common variant of the standard modern verb "entwine". Its use often carries a slightly old-fashioned or poetic nuance. The core sense is physical intertwining, but it readily extends to metaphorical and figurative use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The form 'intwine' is equally rare and archaic in both dialects. The standard spelling 'entwine' is universally preferred. No significant regional preference for 'intwine' exists.
Connotations
In both dialects, using 'intwine' may be perceived as a conscious stylistic choice to evoke a past era or a poetic tone. It is not considered standard in contemporary formal writing.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both corpora. 'Entwine' is hundreds of times more common. 'Intwine' appears primarily in historical texts or deliberate archaisms.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[object] intwine with [object][object] intwine around [object]to be intwined (in/with)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms use 'intwine'; 'entwine' is used in 'to be entwined in fate' etc.]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare, may appear in literary analysis discussing older texts.
Everyday
Not used in modern everyday speech. 'Entwine' or 'mix' is used instead.
Technical
Not used in technical contexts (e.g., botany uses 'twine' or specific terms like 'climbing').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old rose and honeysuckle intwine on the garden wall.
- Legend and history are often intwined in such tales.
American English
- The vines intwine with the wooden lattice.
- Our family's story is intwined with the founding of this town.
adverb
British English
- [Not used]
American English
- [Not used]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard; past participle 'intwined' used adjectivally: e.g., 'intwined branches']
American English
- [Not standard; past participle 'intwined' used adjectivally: e.g., 'their intwined destinies']
Examples
By CEFR Level
- [Too rare for A2; use 'twist' or 'mix' instead]
- The two ropes were intwined to make them stronger.
- In the story, the hero's fate is intwined with the princess's.
- The artist depicted their intwined figures as a symbol of unity.
- It's difficult to separate the two issues as they are so deeply intwined.
- The novel's multiple narratives intwine masterfully in the final chapters, revealing a single, coherent truth.
- Historical and mythological sources are intwined in the chronicler's account, challenging modern historians.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "INto a TWINE (a strong string) - to weave something INto a state of being TWINEd together."
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS PHYSICAL INTERLACING (e.g., "Their lives were intwined"). COMPLEXITY IS TANGLED THREAD (e.g., "an intwined narrative").
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'intertwine' or 'entwine' in meaning; they are synonyms. The main trap is using this rare, archaic word where a common modern equivalent ('переплетаться', 'сплетаться') is expected, which may sound odd or overly poetic.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intwine' in modern professional writing. Spelling it as 'entwine' (which is correct for modern usage) or 'intertwine'. Attempting to use it as a noun (it is a verb).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the MOST appropriate modern synonym for 'intwine' in general usage?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is an archaic or literary variant of the standard modern word 'entwine'. It is not commonly used in contemporary English.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Intwine' is simply an older spelling/form of 'entwine'. 'Entwine' is the universally accepted standard form today.
You should generally avoid it unless you are writing poetry, historical fiction, or deliberately aiming for an archaic style. In all other contexts, use 'entwine' or 'intertwine'.
No, 'intwine' is a verb only. The related noun forms are 'twine' or, from 'entwine', the concept is expressed as 'an entwining'.