Strands: meaning, definitions and examples

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strands

 

[ strændz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

hair

Long, thin pieces of something that hang or spread out loosely.

Synonyms

fibers, locks, tresses.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strands

When talking about single thin pieces of thread, hair, or other similar materials. It's general and neutral in tone.

  • She pulled a few strands of hair behind her ear
  • The rope was made of several strong strands woven together
locks

When describing sections of hair, often with an emphasis on the physical look or attractiveness. Has a slightly poetic or descriptive connotation.

  • She has beautiful golden locks cascading down her back
  • He absentmindedly played with a lock of his hair
tresses

When describing long, flowing hair in a poetic and romantic way. It often has a positive and elegant vibe.

  • Her long tresses glowed in the sunlight
  • He admired her flowing tresses with a smile
fibers

When referring to the smallest units of a material, especially in textiles or biology. Neutral tone used often in scientific and technical contexts.

  • Cotton fibers are commonly used in clothing
  • Muscle fibers contract to produce movement

Examples of usage

  • Her long blonde strands fell over her shoulders.
  • The wind blew the strands of hair across her face.
Context #2 | Noun

rope

A single length of string, rope, or other material.

Synonyms

cord, thread, twine.

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Word Description / Examples
strands

Use when referring to multiple thin pieces of material, especially hair, rope, or fibers.

  • She brushed her hair, and a few strands fell to the floor.
  • Strands of the rope were starting to fray.
cord

This is used for strong, thick strings or ropes, often used for tying or suspension.

  • He bundled the wires together with a cord.
  • The climber secured himself with a cord before descending.
thread

Commonly used for a fine strand of fiber, especially used in sewing or weaving.

  • She threaded the needle before starting to sew the button.
  • The fabric came apart at the threads.
twine

Refers to strong string or thin rope made by twisting together two or more strands, often used for tying or binding.

  • The package was securely wrapped with twine.
  • Twine was used to tie up the bundles of hay.

Examples of usage

  • He tied the boat to the dock with a strand of rope.
  • The necklace was made of delicate strands of pearls.
Context #3 | Verb

leave behind

To leave (someone) without the means to move from somewhere.

Synonyms

abandon, maroon, trap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
strands

This term is often used to describe the situation when someone or something is left in a difficult or helpless position, usually unintentionally, and cannot easily escape.

  • The sailor was stranded on the deserted island for weeks.
  • Our car broke down and left us stranded in the middle of nowhere.
maroon

This word is used similarly to 'strands', but it often carries an intention behind leaving someone trapped in an isolated place, such as an island or remote area.

  • The pirates marooned the traitors on an uncharted island.
  • After the shipwreck, they were marooned on a tiny piece of land.
abandon

Use in situations when someone leaves a place, person, or thing completely, often in a way that seems heartless or irresponsible.

  • He abandoned his family and moved to another country.
  • The project was abandoned due to lack of funds.
trap

Best used when emphasizing the aspect of being caught in a situation or place, unable to escape, often due to deliberate action from another party.

  • The hunters trapped the animal using a cage.
  • He felt trapped in his mind, unable to find a way out of his thoughts.

Examples of usage

  • The storm stranded many travelers at the airport.
  • The malfunctioning elevator stranded the people on the top floor.

Translations

Translations of the word "strands" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fios

🇮🇳 स्ट्रैंड्स

🇩🇪 Stränge

🇮🇩 helai

🇺🇦 нитки

🇵🇱 nici

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 brins

🇪🇸 hebras

🇹🇷 lifler

🇰🇷 가닥

🇸🇦 خيوط

🇨🇿 prameny

🇸🇰 pramene

🇨🇳 线

🇸🇮 niti

🇮🇸 þræðir

🇰🇿 жіптер

🇬🇪 ძაფები

🇦🇿 liflər

🇲🇽 hebras

Etymology

The word 'strands' originated from the Old English word 'strand', which referred to the shore or edge of a body of water. Over time, it evolved to also mean a single length of string or rope. The use of 'strands' to describe hair likely came from the image of long, thin pieces hanging loosely resembling strands of rope. The verb form of 'strands' meaning to leave behind can be traced back to the idea of leaving someone in a difficult or stranded situation.

See also: strand, stranded.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,018 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.