Ties: meaning, definitions and examples

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ties

[taɪz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

wear

A pair of cords, bands, or other material holding up or together a garment or other object.

Synonyms

band, cord, strap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ties	Commonly used to refer to pieces of string, rope, or similar material used to fasten or secure things together. Also, can refer to neckwear for men. She used some ties to secure the plants to the stakes He wore a blue tie to the meeting
band	Often indicates a loop or strip of material like rubber, cloth, or metal, usually for holding things together. Can also mean a group of musicians. She wore a rubber band around her wrist The band played at the concert last night
strap	Refers to a narrow piece of material, often with a buckle or other fastening device, used to secure or carry things. Frequently seen on bags, watches, and sandals. She adjusted the strap on her backpack He fastened the strap of his watch tightly around his wrist
cord	Typically refers to a long, flexible material often used for tying or connecting things; can be made of various materials like cloth, plastic, or metal. The blinds were raised using a cord He used a bungee cord to secure his luggage on the roof of his car

Examples of usage

Her skirt was held up by a pair of ties.
The tie on his bag was broken.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

connect

Attach or fasten (someone or something) with a cord, band, or other material.

Synonyms

bind, fasten, secure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
ties	Often used when talking about fastening or attaching objects with a string, rope, or similar material. Common in scenarios involving shoes, packages, or bonds. He ties his shoes every morning before jogging The gift was beautifully tied with a red ribbon
fasten	Used in situations where one object needs to be attached or secured to another. Can refer to buckles, clasps, zippers, or similar mechanisms. Please fasten your seatbelt before the plane takes off She fastened her necklace around her neck
secure	Often used to describe the action of making something safe from movement, theft, or damage. Can also refer to making sure that something is fixed firmly in place. He secured the bike to the rack with a heavy chain The documents were secured in a locked drawer
bind	Typically refers to the act of joining or holding things tightly together, often implying a more permanent or strong connection. Used in contexts that involve strings, adhesive, or even formal agreements. The prisoners were bound with ropes to prevent escape The agreement binds both parties to the terms

Examples of usage

He tied the boat to the dock.
She tied her hair back with a ribbon.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'tie' comes from the Old French word 'tie', which means 'to bind or fasten'.
Historically, a form of necktie called a cravat originated in the 17th century from Croatian soldiers.
The concept of ties has evolved, with various styles emerging across different cultures and eras.

Fashion

In the 20th century, the skinny tie and bow tie gained popularity, reflecting changing fashion trends.
Ties can symbolize professionalism and dress codes in workplaces, while also being a way to express personal style.
Colors and patterns of ties often convey different meanings; for example, red can symbolize power, while blue might signify trust.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, ties are often gifted during graduations, weddings, and other special events as symbols of respect and accomplishments.
In Japan, a traditional tie called 'hachimaki' is worn during certain festivals to convey strength and perseverance.
Some sports teams incorporate ties into their uniforms, strengthening team identity and camaraderie.

Psychology

Research suggests that wearing a tie can influence how others perceive your confidence and competence.
Studies show that people in more formal attire, including ties, tend to be approached more often in professional settings.
The concept of 'dressing for success' highlights how ties can affect mindset and behavior in different situations.

Art and Literature

Ties have been featured prominently in art, representing class, status, or sometimes the constraints of societal expectations.
Literary works often use ties as symbols of authority or conformity, reflecting characters' struggles with identity.
In film, ties are often worn by characters to signify their roles in society, ranging from the corporate worker to the rebellious outsider.

Translations

Translations of the word "ties" in other languages:

🇵🇹 gravatas

🇮🇳 टाई

🇩🇪 Krawatten

🇮🇩 dasi

🇺🇦 краватки

🇵🇱 krawaty

🇯🇵 ネクタイ

🇫🇷 cravates

🇪🇸 corbatas

🇹🇷 kravatlar

🇰🇷 넥타이

🇸🇦 ربطات العنق

🇨🇿 kravaty

🇸🇰 kravaty

🇨🇳 领带

🇸🇮 kravate

🇮🇸 bindi

🇰🇿 галстуктар

🇬🇪 ჰალსტუხები

🇦🇿 qalstuklar

🇲🇽 corbatas

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,850, 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.

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3847 dignity
3848 generate
3849 leather
3850 ties
3851 extract
3852 arbitrary
3853 tenant
...