Tangled Meaning and Definition
Tangled
Pronunciation
/ˈtæŋɡəld/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of complex or confusing situation, often referring to a mixture of different elements or threads that have become entangled or intertwined.
Examples
- The plot of the movie was a tangled web of love affairs and deceit.
- Her career and personal life became tangled, and she didn’t know how to untangle them.
Synonyms
- Complex
- Confusing
- Intertwined
Antonyms
- Simple
- Clear
- Separate
Etymology
The word “tangled” comes from the Old English words “tangian” meaning to twist or turn, and “loden” meaning to twist or turn something around another.
Usage Notes
In modern usage, the word “tangled” often refers to a situation or problem that is difficult to understand or untangle, but it can also be used figuratively to describe a confusing or complicated state of mind.
Cultural References
The term “tangled” has been used in various cultural contexts, including literature, music, and film. For example, the phrase “tangled web of lies” is often used to describe a complex situation where multiple individuals are involved.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Get tangled up in something
- Untangle the threads
- In a tangled mess
Related Words or Phrases
- Complex
- Intertwined
- Mixed up
- Entangled
Collocations
- Tangled threads
- Tangled mess
- Tangled web
- Tangled situation
Frequency of Use
According to the Oxford English Corpus, the word “tangled” is used frequently in modern language, particularly in contexts related to complexity, confusion, and relationships.
Common Misspellings
- Tan-gled
- Tangld
- Tangle