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Dovetailing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dovetailing

[หˆdสŒvteษชlษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

joining components

Dovetailing refers to the process of fitting together two or more components in a way that strengthens their joint and enables them to function cohesively. This technique is commonly used in woodworking, where pieces of wood are shaped to interlock with each other, creating a stable and durable connection. Beyond carpentry, dovetailing can also pertain to combining ideas or plans that complement one another effectively. It emphasizes synchronization and harmony between different elements.

Synonyms

connect, integrate, interlock, join.

Examples of usage

  • The carpenter skillfully dovetailed the joints for maximum stability.
  • Their plans for the project dovetail perfectly, ensuring success.
  • The artist's concepts dovetail with social issues.
  • This methodology dovetails the research with practical application.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Art and Design

  • In woodworking, dovetail joints are prized for their aesthetic beauty as well as their structural integrity.
  • Designers often employ dovetailing by blending different materials or styles to create cohesive and striking artworks.
  • Textiles might also utilize dovetailing in patterns, seamlessly mixing colors and fabrics for a harmonious look.

Psychology

  • Dovetailing can refer to merging ideas or thoughts in a way that reinforces understanding and connection between concepts.
  • Therapists often use dovetailing techniques to help individuals connect past experiences with present behaviors for healing.
  • This concept highlights how various cognitive processes can align to create a more comprehensive view of a situation.

Collaboration

  • In teamwork, dovetailing encourages individuals to align their strengths, working together for a common goal.
  • Effective communication is key in dovetailing efforts, ensuring all team members are on the same page.
  • This approach is frequently utilized in project management, where different parts need coordination for success.

Literature

  • Authors often dovetail subplots with the main storyline, enriching the narrative and deepening character development.
  • In poetry, dovetailing can be seen when various themes or images intertwine to create a layered meaning.
  • The technique of dovetailing ideas is crucial for essays, where arguments must connect seamlessly to support the thesis.

Origin of 'dovetailing'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the shape of a doveโ€™s tail, representing how two parts can fit tightly together.
  • Historically, dovetail joints were used in carpentry, providing strength and durability in construction.
  • The word 'dovetail' has been used in English since the 15th century, evolving to include various contexts of fitting things together.

The term 'dovetail' originates from the early 17th century, deriving from the word 'dove', which is in reference to the resemblance of the joint to the shape of a dove's tail. The use of dovetail joints in woodworking has been recorded for centuries, dating back to ancient Egypt. Skilled craftsmen recognized that this method allowed for particularly strong joints due to the projection and corresponding recess created by the cut. Over time, the term has transcended its carpentry roots to encompass a broader application, such as in strategies and plans where different ideas or components must work together seamlessly. Today, 'dovetailing' is often employed metaphorically to describe the synthesis of concepts or processes in a wide range of fields, including business and art.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,375 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.