What is tie? Pronunciation and usage in English

tie means . Learn how to pronounce and use tie through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of tie

tieverb

/tʌɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of tie

The word "tie" is pronounced exactly like the letter "eye."

It's pronounced: eye

You can hear it here: https://www.pronounce.com/tie/

It's a very common pronunciation mistake, so don't worry about it!

Usage and examples with the word tie in English

Let's break down how to use the word "tie" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Things to Tie):

  • A Bow Tie: This is the most common association. It’s a small, decorative knot worn around the neck, typically for formal occasions.

    • Example: "He wore a black silk tie to the wedding."

  • A Necktie (also called a Tie): A longer piece of fabric worn around the neck, usually for business or more casual occasions.

    • Example: "I need to buy a new tie for the office."

  • Rope/Cord/String: "Tie" can refer to a rope, cord, or string used for binding or connecting things.

    • Example: "The fisherman used a strong tie to secure the net."
    • Example: "She tied her shoelaces together."

  • A Knot: Can refer to a specific kind of knot.

    • Example: “He tied a complex knot in the rope.”

  • Relationship/Bond: This is a more figurative use. It means a connection or link.

    • Example: “They had a strong tie to their hometown.”
    • Example: “There’s a family tie that binds them together.”

2. As a Verb (To Tie Something):

  • To fasten with a knot: This is the most frequent use.

    • Example: “Please tie your shoes.”
    • Example: “She tied the package with ribbon.”

  • To connect or link: Similar to the noun meaning.

    • Example: “He tried to tie the evidence together.”
    • Example: “They were hoping to tie the project to the company’s overall strategy.”

  • To couple together (animals):

    • Example: "The farmer tied the horses to the fence."

  • To link together (events/time):

    • Example: “The two events are tied together.” (“They’re linked.”)

3. Phrases Using "Tie":

  • Tie the knot: To get married.

    • Example: “They’re planning to tie the knot next year.”

  • Tie up: To occupy something or someone's time or resources.

    • Example: “The project is tieing up all of his time.”
    • Example: “I need to tie up some loose ends.”

  • Tie the score: In sports, to have the same score after a game.

    • Example: “The game ended in a tie.”

  • Tie the hands of…: To limit someone’s options or ability to act.

    • Example: “The new regulations tie the hands of small businesses.”

Tips for Using "Tie" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "tie" depends heavily on the sentence.
  • Pronunciation: The pronunciation is typically /tiː/ (like “tea”) but can vary slightly depending on the region.

To help me give you even more targeted information, could you tell me:

  • What are you hoping to use “tie” in? (e.g., a specific sentence, a particular context like business or fashion?)

Synonyms for the word tie

Idioms of the word tie

(tied to) somebody’s apron strings
(too much under) the influence and control of somebody
  • The British prime minister is too apt to cling to Washington's apron strings.
bind/tie somebody hand and foot
to tie somebody’s hands and feet together so that they cannot move or escape
    to prevent somebody from doing what they want by creating rules, limits, etc.
      have your hands tied
      to be unable to do what you want to do because of rules, promises, etc.
      • I really wish I could help but my hands are tied.
      tie somebody/yourself (up) in knots
      (informal)to become or make somebody very confused
      • I got myself tied up in knots when I tried to explain the legal system to them.
      tie the knot
      (informal)to get married
        tie one on
        (North American English, informal)to get very drunk

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