Tied Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tied

[taɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

to bind securely

The word 'tied' is the past tense of 'tie', which means to fasten or secure something with a knot or a cord. It can also refer to bringing together two or more things or individuals for a specific purpose, such as in competition where results are the same.

Synonyms

bound, connected, fastened, joined, secured.

Examples of usage

  • She tied the ribbon around the gift.
  • They tied for first place in the race.
  • The dog was tied to the post.
  • He tied his shoelaces tightly.
  • The two teams have tied in their scores.
Context #2 | Adjective

result of competition

'Tied' can also refer to a situation in a competition where two or more participants have achieved the same score or result, indicating equality in performance.

Synonyms

balanced, equal, equitable, level, matched.

Examples of usage

  • The game ended in a tied score.
  • They finished in a tied position in the league.
  • The debate resulted in a tied decision.
  • In chess, the match could end in a tied outcome.
  • The tournament resulted in a tied championship.

Translations

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Origin of 'tied'

The word 'tie' originates from the Old English 'tigan', which means 'to attach, to bind'. This root is believed to be related to Proto-Germanic '*tiganan', which has similar meanings. The transition into Middle English retained the essence of binding or connecting. Over the centuries, 'tie' evolved to encompass various meanings, including the act of fastening objects together as well as metaphorical connections in relationships, competitions, and activities. The past tense form 'tied' surfaced in usage as early as the 14th century, reflecting both physical and abstract contexts of joining. This development illustrates the word's flexibility in application, adapting to different scenarios while maintaining its core idea of connection and binding.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,566, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.