Tethered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tethered

[หˆtษ›รฐษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

physical connection

Tethered refers to something that is tied or secured to a fixed point, often to restrict movement. It is commonly used to describe objects that are physically attached to a stable source to prevent them from drifting away. In technology, tethering indicates a device that shares its internet connection with another device. This term can also convey a sense of being bound or limited in freedom or movement.

Synonyms

attached, bound, leashed.

Examples of usage

  • The boat was tethered to the dock.
  • He tethered his dog to the post.
  • The smartphone was tethered to the laptop for internet access.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In the tech world, being 'tethered' often refers to connecting devices, like using a smartphone to provide internet access to a laptop.
  • Many games use tethered connections for multiplayer modes, linking players together for cooperative play.
  • Tethering can be both physical, with cables, and wireless, such as Bluetooth connections.

Psychology

  • The feeling of being tethered can refer to emotional bonds, where individuals feel connected yet free, like a child flying a kite.
  • In mental health, being tethered to positive relationships can provide stability and support during difficult times.
  • Conversely, feeling tethered can also imply restrictions that limit personal growth or exploration.

Art

  • Artists often explore themes of tethered and liberation in their work, using metaphorical imagery to depict connection.
  • Surrealist artists might depict figures tethered to strings, illustrating both freedom and constraint artistically.
  • The concept has also influenced various literary pieces, where characters face the tension between their ties to society and their desire for freedom.

Space Exploration

  • In space missions, astronauts are tethered to their spacecraft during spacewalks to ensure they donโ€™t drift away.
  • Tethered satellites have been proposed for maintaining positions in orbit using less fuel than traditional methods.
  • The idea of tethering can also be applied to theories of using filament-like structures to transport energy between space stations.

Origin of 'tethered'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Middle English term 'tetheren', meaning to tie or restrain.
  • In Old Norse, 'tjodr' refers to a line or cord used to bind something.
  • The concept dates back to ancient times when shepherds would tether their animals to prevent them from wandering off.

The term 'tethered' originates from the Middle English word 'tetheren,' which means to tie or bind. It is derived from the Old Norse word 'teรฐra,' which refers to a rope or a cord used for fastening. The evolution of the word reflects a broadening of its meaning from strictly physical attachments to more abstract forms of connections, such as digital tethering in modern technology. Tethering has become increasingly significant with the rise of mobile devices and the need for connectivity, illustrating the transition of the term into contemporary usage while retaining its foundational concept of a binding connection.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,245, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.