Tie: meaning, definitions and examples

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tie

 

[ taɪ ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

clothing

A long, narrow piece of cloth worn around the neck or shoulders, typically knotted in front.

Synonyms

bow tie, cravat, necktie.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tie

A piece of cloth, typically silk, worn around the neck and tied in a knot. Commonly used in formal or professional settings.

  • He wore a dark suit and a red tie to the job interview.
  • You need to wear a tie for the wedding ceremony.
necktie

Another term for a tie, frequently used in formal or business attire. It can be used interchangeably with 'tie'.

  • She gifted him a silk necktie for his birthday.
  • Wearing a necktie is mandatory in our office dress code.
cravat

An older style of neckwear, similar to a tie but can be more decorative and less structured. Often associated with historical or vintage fashion.

  • He complemented his Victorian-era costume with an elegant cravat.
  • The actor wore a stylish cravat for his role in the period drama.
bow tie

A type of tie that is tied into a bow. Often worn with tuxedos and considered more formal or used for special occasions.

  • He decided to wear a bow tie to the gala event.
  • At black-tie events, a bow tie is preferred over a regular tie.

Examples of usage

  • He wore a stylish tie to the wedding.
  • She adjusted her tie before entering the meeting room.
Context #2 | Verb

fasten

To attach or fasten with a string or cord.

Synonyms

bind, fasten, secure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tie

Use when connecting or securing two things together with a string, rope, or similar item. It can be applied in everyday situations.

  • She used a ribbon to tie her hair back
  • He tried to tie the two sticks together with a piece of cloth
fasten

Use when closing or securing something firmly, often with a mechanical device like a buckle, button, zipper, or clasp.

  • Please fasten your seatbelt before the plane takes off
  • She fastened her coat before stepping out into the cold
secure

Use in situations when ensuring something is firmly in place or safe, often used in a more general or broad sense.

  • Make sure to secure the windows before the storm arrives
  • The police were able to secure the crime scene quickly
bind

Use in more formal or serious situations when securing something tightly, often with rope, string, or similar. It can also suggest restriction or obligation.

  • They had to bind the package securely before shipping
  • The contract will legally bind both parties for five years

Examples of usage

  • He asked her to tie the ribbon around the gift box.
  • She used a rope to tie the boat to the dock.

Translations

Translations of the word "tie" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gravata

🇮🇳 टाई

🇩🇪 Krawatte

🇮🇩 dasi

🇺🇦 краватка

🇵🇱 krawat

🇯🇵 ネクタイ (nekutai)

🇫🇷 cravate

🇪🇸 corbata

🇹🇷 kravat

🇰🇷 넥타이 (nektai)

🇸🇦 ربطة عنق

🇨🇿 kravata

🇸🇰 kravata

🇨🇳 领带 (lǐngdài)

🇸🇮 kravata

🇮🇸 bindi

🇰🇿 галстук

🇬🇪 ჰალსტუხი

🇦🇿 qalstuk

🇲🇽 corbata

Etymology

The word 'tie' originated from the Old English word 'teogan', meaning 'to pull, draw'. Over time, it evolved to refer to fastening or securing objects together. The use of ties as a fashion accessory became popular in the 17th century, and since then, ties have been an essential part of formal attire around the world.

See also: tiebreaker, tier, ties, tying, untie.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,127, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.