Tangle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
tangle
[หtรฆลษกษl ]
Definitions
in a mess
To tangle means to twist together into a confused mass. It can also refer to becoming involved in a conflict or argument.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tangle |
Note: 'tangle' was mentioned twice. See the first entry for 'tangle'. |
| entwine |
Usually employed when describing something being twisted or woven together in a more graceful or deliberate manner, often with a sense of intimacy or connection.
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| snarl |
This term often means a situation where something is completely twisted together in a very messy and troublesome way. It has a negative connotation.
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| entangle |
This word is chosen when something or someone is trapped or complicated by being twisted with something else. Often used for situations involving difficulty or complexity, such as legal issues or relationships.
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Examples of usage
- The wires were all tangled up behind the TV.
- Don't tangle with him, he's known to be aggressive.
complicated situation
As a noun, tangle refers to a complicated or confused situation. It can also mean a twisted mass of something.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tangle |
Tangle is used when something is twisted together in a way that is not easy to separate.
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| mess |
Mess describes a state of disorder and clutter, often used in a physical sense but can also refer to disorganized situations.
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| confusion |
Confusion refers to a state where someone is uncertain or unclear about something.
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| snarl |
Snarl is often used to describe something that is intricately and frustratingly tangled, like traffic or yarn. It can have a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- She found herself in a tangle of emotions.
- The fishing line was a hopeless tangle.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Nature
- In nature, tangling often occurs with plants, like vines that wrap around trees or fences.
- Animal behaviors sometimes involve tangling; for example, fish can get caught in fishing nets, resulting in struggles.
- Microplastics in oceans create tangled messes for marine life, affecting ecosystems and food chains.
Psychology
- The feeling of being mentally or emotionally tangled can refer to stress or confusion in our thoughts.
- Psychological 'tangles' often arise when trying to solve complex problems or navigate relationships.
- Therapy can help untangle these thoughts, leading to clearer thinking and more focused emotions.
Art
- Artists sometimes use the concept of tangling to express chaos or mixed emotions in their works, especially in abstract art.
- In dance, movements can represent the idea of tangling, conveying emotions through intertwined bodies.
- The visual arts often depict tangled imagery, evoking feelings of complexity and interconnection in life.
Technology
- Wires and cords are notorious for tangling, leading to the creation of cable management solutions.
- Tangled code in computer programming refers to code that is messy and interdependent, making it hard to modify.
- In networking, tangled connections can slow down communication speeds and create confusion.
Origin of 'tangle'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English 'tanglen', which means to twist or wind together.
- In Old Norse, 'tangr' meant 'to tangle or intertwine', showing a long history of the concept in languages.
- The suffix '-gle' may suggest a state of confusion or messiness, hinting at the nature of tangling.
The word 'tangle' originated in the late 14th century from the Old English word 'tanglian', which means to entangle. Over time, it evolved to its current usage in English to describe twisted or complicated situations.