What is twisted? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of twisted

twistedadjective

/ˈtwɪstɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of twisted

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "twisted." It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈtɪstɪd/ (pronounced: TIS-tid)

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈtɪs - This part is a stressed syllable. It sounds like "tiss" as in "tissue." The 't' is usually quite crisp.
  • -tid - This is a softer, unstressed syllable. It sounds like "tid" as in “tide.”

Here's a more detailed phonetic breakdown (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

  • /ˈtɪstɪd/

Tips for pronouncing it correctly:

  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable – “TISS.”
  • Soft ‘t’: The ‘t’ sound in “tis” is relatively soft. Don't pronounce it sharply like in "top."
  • “id” sound: The ending "-tid" should sound like the word "tid" (as in tide) rather than "it."

Listen to examples:

  • Google it: Simply search "how to pronounce twisted" on Google and listen to several pronunciations.
  • Forvo: A great website for hearing words pronounced by native speakers: https://forvo.com/word/twisted/

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some common mispronunciations and how to avoid them?

Usage and examples with the word twisted in English

The word "twisted" is incredibly versatile and can be used in a number of ways! Here's a breakdown of its meanings and how to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Twisting (Most Literal)

  • Meaning: Bent, warped, or turned at an angle.
  • Examples:
    • "The branch was twisted by the wind."
    • "He twisted his ankle badly while hiking."
    • "The metal was twisted into a sculpture."
  • Grammar: Often used with prepositions like "around," "into," "by."

2. Figurative – Unpleasant or Disturbing (Common Usage)

This is where "twisted" gets more expressive. It describes something that is unnatural, perverse, or unsettling.

  • a) Morally Twisted: Describes a person's character as corrupt, evil, or distorted.

    • Example: "He had a twisted sense of humor – he told jokes that were cruel and mean."
    • Example: "Her twisted motives were revealed when she confessed to stealing from her friends."
    • Synonyms: corrupt, depraved, perverse, immoral.

  • b) Emotionally Twisted: Describes a person's feelings or reactions as abnormal, distorted, or unhealthy.

    • Example: "He was twisted by his past trauma and couldn't form healthy relationships."
    • Example: “After the accident, she became twisted with grief.”
    • Synonyms: tormented, burdened, scarred.

  • c) Literally Distorted – Shapes, Patterns, or Perspectives: This can extend beyond people.

    • Example: "The road twisted and turned through the mountains." (suggesting a confusing and difficult path)
    • Example: "The artist created a twisted, surreal landscape." (referring to an unnatural or unsettling arrangement)
    • Example: “The detective saw the clues twisted together to form a darker picture.”

3. Verb – To Twist

  • Meaning: To turn something around, to wrap something, to make something into a knot.
  • Examples:
    • “She twisted the rope to tie her shoes.” (Physical action)
    • “He twisted the story to make himself look better.” (Figurative – distorting reality)
    • “The journalist twisted the politician’s words out of context.” (Figurative - manipulating information)

4. Adjective – Twisted (Describing something)

  • Examples:
    • “A twisted piece of wire”
    • “He had a twisted smile” (suggesting something unsettling)
    • “A twisted fate” (suggesting an unfair or tragic destiny)

Tips for Using "Twisted" Effectively:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "twisted" heavily depends on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand what is being described.
  • Strong Connotation: "Twisted" carries a strong negative connotation – it’s rarely used in a neutral way.
  • Be specific: If you’re describing someone’s behavior, consider using more precise language to paint a clearer picture (e.g., "cruel," "manipulative," "resentful").

Resources for Further Exploration:

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  • What are you trying to do with the word "twisted"? (e.g., write a story, have a conversation, understand a text?)

Synonyms for the word twisted

Practice with vocabulary twisted

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The bicycle frame was badly ____ after the accident, making it unrideable.
  2. His political opponents deliberately ____ his words, taking them out of context to create a scandal.
  3. The team needs to adhere ____ the strict guidelines set by the compliance department.
  4. Despite her best efforts, she couldn't fully ____ the complex instructions for assembling the new software.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The artist used a unique technique to create sculptures from heavily ____ wire. A) bent B) straightened C) coiled D) twisted

  2. The journalist was accused of ____ the facts to make the story more sensational. A) embellishing B) verifying C) distorting D) twisting

  3. The manager's ____ decision to cut funding for the project surprised everyone. A) abrupt B) sudden C) gradual D) hesitant

  4. The plot of the detective novel was so ____ that it kept readers guessing until the very last chapter. A) straightforward B) intricate C) convoluted D) twisted

  5. Employees must ____ all company policies, especially those concerning data privacy. A) abide by B) ignore C) comply with D) disregard

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The strong winds caused the metal railing to become significantly bent and misshapen. Rewrite using "twisted" or a related form:

  2. He deliberately misrepresented my argument to make it seem less valid during the debate. Rewrite using "twisted" or a related form:

  3. The company needs to adapt to the changing market conditions to remain competitive. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "twisted" or its forms):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. twisted
  2. twisted
  3. to
  4. grasp (or comprehend)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) bent, C) coiled, D) twisted
  2. A) embellishing, C) distorting, D) twisting
  3. A) abrupt, B) sudden
  4. B) intricate, C) convoluted, D) twisted
  5. A) abide by, C) comply with

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The strong winds significantly twisted the metal railing. (or: The metal railing became significantly twisted due to the strong winds.)
  2. He deliberately twisted my argument to make it seem less valid during the debate.
  3. The company needs to adjust to the changing market conditions to remain competitive. (or: conform to; accommodate to)

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