tapestry

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'tapestry' is a correct and accepted word in written English.
You can use it when talking about a type of fabric artwork, typically hanging on a wall, that is made up of a woven design. For example: The artist had created a beautiful tapestry featuring a vibrant landscape of rolling hills and an orange sunset.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is a living tapestry of men and women and people and the beauty of that tapestry and the quality of our lives will depend upon how much each of us is prepared to take responsibility for ourselves and each of us prepared to turn round and help by our own efforts those who are unfortunate".

The Guardian

Theirs was neither a happy marriage nor or an easy collaboration, and yet her love for the Marxist muralist is clearly an important part of the tapestry of pain and desire that makes Kahlo's art so intense and real and personal.

The Guardian - Arts

An enormous new tapestry by Grayson Perry, depicting the fictional couple Julie and Rob for whom he recently designed a house in Essex, will set a buyer back £69,600, while Gary Hume's painting The Blue Ground is priced at £138,000, and the five Gormley sculptures are £174,000 each.

The Guardian - Arts

Weaving a new tapestry will require a different pattern and "that will take decades".

The Economist

Perhaps something is changing in Scotland's distinctive religious tapestry, but not the propensity for a scrap.

The Economist

Henry IV revived the tapestry scheme in 1601 when his wife, Maria, gave birth to a long-wanted son and heir, the future Louis XIII.

The Economist

The exhibition is the first at Dovecot Studios, Britain's principal tapestry studio, now newly installed in a resplendent renovated swimming baths on the south side of the Scottish capital.

The Economist

They bicker, miscommunicate, fall in love and perform operations against a tapestry of cross-cultural desire, political change and colourful symptomatology at the sweetly named Missing Hospital on the edge of Addis Ababa.

The Economist

So too was the Cloisters' most famous artwork and his most treasured possession, a seven-panel tapestry from around 1500, "The Hunt of the Unicorn".Some 40 fantastical objects take the visitor on a tour of Christian and Jewish, Western and Eastern, Medieval and Renaissance conceptions of the unicorn.

The Economist

Three of the tapestries were in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Renaissance tapestry show in 2002.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The artist's father had been in the tapestry-repair business, so Bourgeois grew up surrounded by teams of women sewing and weaving under her mother's direction.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tapestry" to describe something with many interconnected details or elements, especially when you want to convey a sense of richness and complexity.

Common error

Avoid using "tapestry" too liberally as a metaphor. While it can add depth, overuse can make your writing seem cliché and less impactful. Choose the term only when the image of interwoven elements is truly relevant.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tapestry" is as a noun, referring to a woven textile art or, metaphorically, to a complex and interwoven structure. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing literal artworks and abstract concepts like historical narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tapestry" functions primarily as a noun, frequently employed to describe intricate woven artworks or, metaphorically, complex and interconnected systems. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While versatile, its metaphorical application benefits from judicious use to maintain impact. Related terms include "woven fabric", "complex design", and "fabric of society", each offering nuanced perspectives on the concept of interwoven complexity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fabric of society

Focuses on the interconnectedness and structure of social elements.

interwoven narrative

Focuses on the storytelling aspect, suggesting a complex and connected story.

mosaic of experiences

Highlights the collection of diverse experiences forming a complete picture.

complex design

Highlights the intricacy and detailed nature of the pattern.

intricate pattern

Emphasizes the elaborate and interconnected nature of the design.

patchwork of events

Highlights the assemblage of diverse events or experiences.

woven fabric

Focuses on the material aspect, specifically the weaving technique.

variegated composition

Highlights the diverse and contrasting elements within the whole.

rich texture

Emphasizes the tactile and visual depth of the surface.

medley of colors

Emphasizes the combination of various colors or elements.

FAQs

How can I use "tapestry" in a sentence?

You can use "tapestry" to describe a woven art piece or, metaphorically, to refer to something composed of many interconnected elements. For instance, "The artist created a stunning tapestry depicting a historical event" or "The book weaves a rich tapestry of characters and storylines".

What are some alternatives to "tapestry" when describing a complex arrangement?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "mosaic", "patchwork", "fabric", or "web" to convey a similar sense of intricacy and interconnectedness.

Is it appropriate to use "tapestry" in formal writing?

Yes, "tapestry" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when used to describe a complex and interwoven subject. It adds a layer of sophistication and imagery, as seen in examples from sources like The Economist and academic papers.

What is the difference between a "tapestry" and a "fabric"?

While both relate to woven materials, "tapestry" specifically refers to a decorative textile art, often depicting scenes or designs, whereas "fabric" is a more general term for any woven material. A "tapestry" is a specific type of "fabric" with artistic intent.