tether

USAGE SUMMARY

'tether' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning to attach something to something else with a rope or chain, or meaning to restrict the movements or actions of someone or something. For example: "The horses were tethered to a post in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The state-run oil monopoly is the sort of sacred cow that could emit a deafening, destabilising moo if Mr Peña tried to tether it.

The Economist

"We are at the end of our tether," roared Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey's prime minister.Mr Assad's response was to intensify his assaults against unarmed civilians, notably in the Mediterranean port of Latakia (see article).

The Economist

Mr Bills, who comes from the recreational-vehicle industry, says he is now taking a methodical approach to increasing sales, both by making the machines easier to buy and explaining to customers how Segways can fit into their lives.Technology Quarterly Shape of phones to come The end of your tether?

The Economist

But it means that fragments of plant-derived DNA, typically between 1m and 10m base-pairs long and specially manufactured for each application, can be added to almost anything.Technology Quarterly Shape of phones to come The end of your tether?

The Economist

While others have departed for academia or newer companies, he is now the head of systems software research at Bell Labs, and is continuing his research into operating systems and languages.Technology Quarterly Shape of phones to come The end of your tether?

The Economist

In addition, position sensors in the robot's joints were translated into "proprioception" signals that enabled the subjects to feel the arm's position, even when their eyes were closed.Technology Quarterly Shape of phones to come The end of your tether?

The Economist

The constant pinging of electronic devices is driving many people to the end of their tether.

The Economist

A flow of blood to that area while the subject is looking at a particular logo suggests that he or she identifies with that brand.Technology Quarterly Shape of phones to come The end of your tether?

The Economist

He was sounding sceptical over that change last week, but most other parties want it.In this section A system in crisis, a country adrift End of his tether When cuts aren't kind enough Right on track Big bears and other extremes Old ghosts and new An ill wind from Germany Correction: petrol prices ReprintsEven though he got his way, he has been forced into humbling political courtships.

The Economist

So why not apply the open-source model to drug development too?Source for the gooseTechnology Quarterly Shape of phones to come The end of your tether?

The Economist

Each buoy's rising and falling drives, as the diagram shows, a pump attached to the seabed at the bottom of that buoy's tether.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tether" to describe a connection, ensure the context clarifies the degree of freedom allowed by the tether. This avoids ambiguity about whether the subject is fully restricted or has some range of motion.

Common error

Avoid using "tether" when you mean complete immobilization. "Tether" implies some degree of movement or flexibility, unlike words like "bind" or "imprison" which suggest total restraint.

Linguistic Context

The word "tether" functions as both a noun, referring to a rope or cable used to restrain something, and a verb, meaning to fasten or restrain with a tether. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "tether" is a versatile term used as both a noun and a verb, denoting a connection that allows some movement or, metaphorically, a limit to one's endurance. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically sound and widely applicable. Its presence across reputable sources like The Economist and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its reliability and broad acceptance. To use "tether" effectively, consider its implication of partial restraint rather than complete immobilization. When in doubt, explore synonyms like "secure" or "restrain" to ensure accurate conveyance of your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attach

Focuses on joining things together, while "tether" implies controlled connection.

restrain

Focuses on limiting movement or action, whereas "tether" implies physical connection.

fasten

Emphasizes securely joining two things, different from the allowance for movement in "tether".

connect

Refers to a general joining, whereas "tether" implies a specific type of controlled connection.

secure

Implies fixing something firmly in place, differing from "tether" by suggesting less flexibility.

confine

Implies keeping something within boundaries, diverging from "tether" which suggests attachment.

tie

Implies a knot or binding, with less emphasis on controlled movement than "tether".

moor

Specifically refers to securing a vessel, unlike "tether" which has broader applications.

bind

Suggests a strong, often inflexible connection, diverging from the flexible control of "tether".

limit

Highlights restriction of scope or quantity, unlike "tether" which emphasizes physical binding.

FAQs

How can I use "tether" in a sentence?

You can use "tether" to describe physically attaching something, like "The blimp broke its "tether"". It can also mean to restrict, as in "international agreements would "tether" them down".

What are some synonyms for the verb "tether"?

Alternatives to "tether" include "secure", "moor", "restrain", or "confine", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "tether" in a technological context?

Yes, "tether" is used in technology to describe connecting devices, such as using a phone to "tether" a computer to the internet. This usage is common and widely understood.

What does it mean to be at the end of one's "tether"?

To be at the end of one's "tether" means to have reached the limit of one's patience or endurance. It implies feeling stressed and unable to cope with a situation.