Tie
/taɪ/
Definitions
6 meaningsTo fasten or attach something with string, rope, or similar material; to make a knot.
/taɪ/
To fasten or secure with a string or cord.
I tied the package with a piece of string.
💡 Simply: Like when you use a shoelace to keep your shoes from falling off! It's about using something like a string or rope to connect or hold things together. You might tie your hair back, or tie a gift with a ribbon.
👶 For kids: To use a string or rope to hold things together like tying your shoes!
More Examples
He tied his hair back to keep it out of his face.
Can you tie the knot properly?
How It's Used
"He tied his shoelaces before going for a run."
"She tied a scarf around her neck."
To restrict or limit the freedom or movement of (someone or something) with a rope, chain, or other physical restraint.
/taɪ/
To restrict or limit someone's freedom.
The new law tied the hands of the local authorities.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone puts you in a situation where you can’t move freely or make your own choices. It's like something that keeps you from doing what you want to do. For example, an obligation might tie you to a place or a commitment.
👶 For kids: To make it so you can't do something, like your hands being tied!
More Examples
She felt tied to her desk by her responsibilities.
How It's Used
"The legal agreement tied his hands."
To achieve the same score or result as another competitor or team; to draw.
/taɪ/
To equal the score in a game or competition.
The two teams tied 2-2.
💡 Simply: Picture a game where both teams have the same score - that's a tie! It means nobody wins outright, it’s a draw.
👶 For kids: When both sides have the same score in a game!
More Examples
We tied for first place in the tournament.
How It's Used
"The game was tied at the end of the regulation time."
A thing used for fastening or binding something; specifically, a long, narrow piece of cloth worn around the neck, typically by men, as part of a formal outfit; a cord, ribbon, or similar material used for fastening.
/taɪ/
A cord or band used for fastening or tying.
He always wears a silk tie to work.
💡 Simply: That thing you wear around your neck with a suit! Also, a piece of string or rope to tie things together.
👶 For kids: A string or cloth you use to hold things together or a fancy thing you wear around your neck!
More Examples
She used a tie to secure the package.
The package was held together by a simple tie.
How It's Used
"He wore a colorful tie with his suit."
"She used a tie to secure the packages."
An equal score in a game or competition.
/taɪ/
An equal score in a competition.
The match ended in a tie.
💡 Simply: When neither side wins in a game or competition, it's a tie. It means the scores are equal.
👶 For kids: When both sides have the same score in a game!
More Examples
They broke the tie with a penalty kick.
How It's Used
"The game ended in a tie."
A connection or relationship between people or things.
/taɪ/
A connection or relationship.
There are strong ties between the two countries.
💡 Simply: Imagine two things or people being connected in some way—a relationship or a bond. It could be a family tie, or a connection between two companies.
👶 For kids: When you are connected to someone or something, like a family connection!
More Examples
Family ties are very important to her.
She has a close tie with her sister.
How It's Used
"She has a strong family tie to her hometown."
"The company has a financial tie to the corporation."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
tie the knot
To get married.
"They decided to tie the knot next summer."
tie up
To make busy or occupied.
"I'm tied up with work all day today."
From Old English *tīgan* 'to bind, fasten'.
The word 'tie' has been used since the Old English period, initially to mean 'to bind or fasten'.
Memory tip
Think of a shoelace: you tie it to keep your shoes on.
Word Origin
"to bind, fasten"