Reading Theme:
Entangle: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：cause to twist together (entangle)
entangle
/ɪnˈtæŋɡəl/
vt.
To cause something to get twisted together with something else, making it difficult to separate.
cause to twist together
➕
/kɔːz tə twɪst təˈɡɛðər/
vt.
To make something become twisted and caught in something else, creating a knot or obstruction.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
en- (causative) + tangle (to twist together)
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'enter a tangle' – stepping into a messy knot of wires or problems.
📖 Example
His kite became entangled in the high branches of the old oak tree.
The kite was caught and tangled in the tall branches of the old oak tree.
🔗 Collocations
become entangled in – to get caught and twisted inside something
get entangled with – to become twisted together with something
entangle in/with – to cause something to twist into or catch on something
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
untangle (v.) – to free from a tangled state
disentangle (v.) – to free from entanglement
free (v.) – to release from being caught or trapped
🌱 Derivatives
entanglement (n.) – the state of being entangled
entangled (adj.) – twisted together or involved in a difficult situation
disentangle (v.) – to free from entanglement
📖 Cultural Story
From Old English 'entanglan', combining 'en-' (in) with 'tangle' (twist). Originally described physical knots, later extended to complex situations.
Meaning 2：involve in trouble (entangle)
entangle
/ɪnˈtæŋɡəl/
vt.
To involve someone in a difficult, complicated, or confusing situation.
involve in trouble
➕
/ɪnˈvɒlv ɪn ˈtrʌbəl/
vt.
To draw someone into a problematic or convoluted situation, often against their will.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The company didn't want to entangle itself in a long and costly legal dispute.
The company avoided getting involved in a prolonged and expensive legal conflict.
🔗 Collocations
entangle oneself in – to become involved in something complicated or unpleasant
become entangled in – to get drawn into a difficult situation
entangle with – to become involved with something troublesome
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
extricate (v.) – to free someone from a difficult situation
free (v.) – to release from involvement or constraint
disentangle (v.) – to free from a complicated situation
🌱 Derivatives
entanglement (n.) – a complicated or compromising involvement
entangled (adj.) – deeply involved in a difficult situation
disentangle (v.) – to free from a complicated situation
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