Twined Meaning: Definition and Examples

🌿
Add to dictionary

twined

[twaɪnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Twined is the past tense of twine, meaning to twist or wind together strands of material, such as string or rope. It can also refer to the process of intertwining or joining something closely.

Synonyms

entwined, intertwined, woven.

Examples of usage

  • She twined the ribbons around the gift box.
  • The vines twined around the old tree.
  • He twined the beads into a necklace.
  • The couple twined their fingers together.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In poetry, 'twined' often symbolizes the bond between lovers or the connection between nature and humanity.
  • Shakespeare frequently used the concept of intertwining in his works to convey deep emotional or physical closeness.
  • Many contemporary authors utilize the imagery of twining in their narratives to evoke themes of unity and harmony.

Botany

  • Many plants, like climbing vines, exhibit twining behavior, wrapping themselves around support structures to grow upward.
  • Certain species of weeds can be particularly aggressive in their twining habits, often outcompeting native plants.
  • Twining is a common adaptation in the plant kingdom, allowing species to access sunlight by growing up other plants or structures.

Cultural Practices

  • In some cultures, twining is a traditional technique used in textile arts, creating items like rugs or baskets by intertwining threads or fibers.
  • Woven crafts, such as those seen in native American culture, often incorporate twined patterns to create beautiful and functional art.
  • Twined crafts are not merely decorative; they often carry symbolic meanings, representing community and connectedness.

Psychology

  • Psychologists suggest that the concept of twining can reflect interpersonal relationships, where individuals become closely bonded through shared experiences.
  • The idea of being 'twined' can evoke feelings of security and support among friends and family, promoting emotional well-being.
  • In therapy, the metaphor of twined paths may be used to discuss the interconnected journeys of individuals in relationships.

Origin of 'twined'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'twined' comes from the Old English 'twÄ«nan', meaning to separate, which evolved to signify intertwining or twisting together.
  • The root can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'twinaz', referring to the action of twisting or growing together.
  • In Middle English, 'twinned' was often used in various dialects to describe things that were intertwined or linked closely.

The word 'twined' comes from the Middle English 'twinen', which is derived from the Old English 'twinnan', meaning 'to twist' or 'to turn'. The roots of the word can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic term *twinnanÄ…, which also referred to twisting or turning. In historical contexts, twining has been associated with both physical processes, such as the plaiting of materials, as well as metaphorical meanings related to connections and relationships. Over the centuries, the concept of twining has appeared in various forms of art and craft, symbolizing unity and harmony through the intertwining of different elements.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,174, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.