entwine

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "entwine" is correct and is used in written English.
It is defined as to intertwine, or to unite closely by twisting or twining together. You can use it in any context where two objects are intertwined. Example sentence: The two lovers entwined their fingers as they said their vows.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the suburbs of Shanghai weeds entwine the railed-off entrance to an abandoned amusement centre, called American Dream, a $50m venture that spectacularly failed to inspire.

The Economist

And the current debate about the canal's future will entwine it and the Panamanian government still further.The PCA has been pondering modernisation schemes for at least a decade.

The Economist

In hunting rhea, guanaco, and other animals in open country, the bola is whirled like a sling, then thrown parallel to the ground to entwine the quarry's legs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As in the courtship dance, the front of the bodies entwine and are raised higher and higher off the ground until finally one snake overthrows the other.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gaucho weapons were the lasso, knife, and boleadoras (or bolas), a device made of leather cords and three iron balls or stones that was thrown at the legs of an animal to entwine and immobilize it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Horny shells may have spiral ridges and many long tendrils, which entwine about an appropriate surface after the egg is deposited.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Their methods were to plait the bark of trees, lay willow twigs on the ground, and entwine the leaves of a lime tree around their fingers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But for those who really don't have the time, here are the basics: a student investigating her father's premature death, a pair of murderers and a blackmailed Department of Health civil servant provide the focus of seemingly disparate strands that entwine in a tense and teasing way.

Independent

A view perhaps shared by Flying Lotus, on whose debut Los Angeles (Warp), her Cocteau Twins-style harmonies entwine with thepulsing bass and ticking percussion of "Auntie's Lock/Infinitum".

Independent

Liana strands entwine some of the western forests.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As in "Sway," several different lives entwine and separate, and the author offers the revelation of this counterpoint as a kind of unemphatic music: there are certain echoes, themes, and repetitions, but Lazar seems unwilling to insist on a final form or a pedagogic coda, preferring that we sound out the mysterious shape for ourselves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entwine" to vividly describe the close connection or intertwining of abstract concepts or physical objects. For example, "Their destinies became entwined after that fateful meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "entwine" when a simpler word like "connect" or "join" would suffice. Overusing "entwine" can make your writing sound overly flowery or pretentious when a more direct term is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "entwine" is as a transitive verb, describing the action of twisting or twining one thing around another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it fits standard grammar rules. Examples include describing how weeds "entwine" an entrance or how dancers "entwine" with one another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "entwine" is a versatile verb used to describe both physical and metaphorical connections. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. Its meaning centers around twisting or twining together, often suggesting a close and intricate relationship. Example sentences from sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica show its wide applicability. While synonyms such as "intertwine" and "interlace" offer similar meanings, it's crucial to select the word that best reflects the specific nuance you intend to convey. Remember that overusing "entwine" where simpler terms would suffice can detract from your writing's clarity. "Entwine" appears most frequently in News & Media and Encyclopedias, suggesting its broad appeal across different registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intertwine

Direct synonym; emphasizes a mutual twisting or interlinking.

interlace

Highlights a pattern of crossing and connecting.

twist together

Focuses on the action of rotating and joining.

weave together

Implies a creation of fabric or structure by interlacing elements.

braid

Suggests a specific method of intertwining, typically hair or rope.

knit together

Emphasizes a close and secure binding.

link together

Indicates a joining, often sequentially.

connect

A broader term for establishing a relationship or association.

merge

Suggests a blending or combining into a single entity.

unite

Implies a coming together for a common purpose or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "entwine" in a sentence?

"Entwine" is a verb that means to twist or twine around something. For example, "Ivy tendrils entwine the old stone walls."

What can I say instead of "entwine"?

You can use alternatives like "intertwine", "interlace", or "weave together" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "entwine" metaphorically?

Yes, "entwine" can be used metaphorically to describe non-physical connections. For example, "Their lives became entwined through a shared experience."

What is the difference between "entwine" and "enmesh"?

"Entwine" suggests a gentle or natural intertwining, while "enmesh" implies a more complicated or restrictive involvement. "Enmesh" often carries a negative connotation.