Tangled: meaning, definitions and examples

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tangled

 

[หˆtรฆล‹.ษกษ™ld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

hair

Twisted together in a messy or confused mass.

Synonyms

entangled, jumbled, knotted, matted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tangled

Used to describe things that are twisted or mixed together in a messy way. It usually refers to physical objects like hair, wires, or ropes.

  • Her hair was so tangled that it took an hour to brush it out.
  • The cables behind my computer are always tangled.
knotted

Refers to something tied into knots or having a series of knots. It is often used for ropes, strings, or muscles (when they are tensed up).

  • The sailor expertly untied the knotted rope.
  • After carrying heavy boxes, his shoulders felt knotted.
matted

Describes something tangled together in a flat, dense mass. It is commonly used for animal fur, hair, or anything that can form a thick layer.

  • The dog's fur was matted after playing in the mud.
  • Her matted hair was difficult to wash.
entangled

Often used to describe something that is caught or twisted with something else, especially in a way that it becomes difficult to separate. It can refer to both physical situations and complex, abstract ones such as relationships or legal issues.

  • The dolphin became entangled in the fishing net.
  • He found himself entangled in a legal dispute.
jumbled

Describes a messy or chaotic mix of things that are usually disorganized. It typically refers to a collection of items or thoughts that are mixed up rather than individual objects.

  • The contents of the drawer were jumbled together.
  • Her thoughts were a jumbled mess after the long day.

Examples of usage

  • My hair was tangled after the windy walk.
  • She tried to comb out the tangled knots.
  • The branches were all tangled together.
  • The wires were tangled behind the TV.
  • The necklace became tangled in her hair.
Context #2 | Verb

situation

Involved in a complicated or confused situation.

Synonyms

embroiled, ensnared, entangled, involved.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tangled

Use 'tangled' when referring to objects that are physically twisted together in a disordered way.

  • Her hair was so tangled after the windy day.
entangled

Use 'entangled' to describe situations or relationships that are complicated or problematic, often difficult to separate or resolve.

  • She found herself entangled in a complex legal battle.
embroiled

Use 'embroiled' when describing someone who is deeply involved in conflict or a complex situation, often implying difficulty or drama.

  • He became embroiled in a heated argument at the meeting.
ensnared

Use 'ensnared' when someone or something is trapped, especially in a deceptive or manipulative way. This word often carries a negative connotation.

  • The innocent man was ensnared in a web of lies.
involved

Use 'involved' to describe active participation or engagement in an activity, situation, or relationship. This word is neutral and commonly used.

  • He was heavily involved in the charity event.

Examples of usage

  • She found herself tangled in a web of lies.
  • The negotiations became tangled and difficult.
  • He was tangled up in a series of misunderstandings.
  • The two countries were tangled in a diplomatic dispute.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'tangled' comes from the Old Norse word 'tangla,' meaning to mix or intertwine.
  • The suffix '-ed' indicates that the condition is the result of an action, in this case, being wrapped up.
  • Tangled is often used in literature to describe complex situations, whether physical like hair or metaphorical like relationships.

Literature

  • In fairy tales like 'Rapunzel,' being tangled reflects the struggles and challenges faced by the characters.
  • Authors often use the theme of tangles, whether in plot or relationships, to symbolize confusion and conflict.

Pop Culture

  • The Disney movie 'Tangled' offers a modern twist on the classic Rapunzel story, showcasing themes of freedom and self-discovery.
  • The film highlights the idea of overcoming obstacles, with literal tangles representing deeper emotional struggles.

Psychology

  • People often use the term 'tangled' metaphorically to describe their thoughts or feelings when they feel confused or overwhelmed.
  • Therapeutic approaches sometimes involve 'untangling' thoughts to help individuals understand their emotions better.

Science

  • In biology, DNA strands can become tangled in complex shapes, which is important for how they function in cells.
  • Tangled plaquettes in mathematics often symbolize challenges in understanding complex problems.

Translations

Translations of the word "tangled" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น emaranhado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคฒเคเคพ เคนเฅเค†

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช verwickelt

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kusut

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะฐะฟะปัƒั‚ะฐะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ splฤ…tany

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚‚ใคใ‚ŒใŸ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท emmรชlรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ enredado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท dolaลŸmฤฑลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์–ฝํžŒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุชุดุงุจูƒ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zamotanรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zamotanรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็บ ็ป“็š„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zapleten

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ flรฆktur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะฐั‚ะฐัา›ะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒฎแƒšแƒแƒ แƒ—แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qarฤฑลŸฤฑq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ enredado

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,067, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.