tauten
/'tɔ:tn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To make something tight or taut; to stretch or pull something so that it has no slack.
- Verb (intransitive):
- To become tight or taut.
Usage
- Transitive Verb (to make taut): Used when an agent (a person, force, or action) causes something to become tight.
- Intransitive Verb (to become taut): Used when something tightens by itself or as a result of a process.
Examples
- Transitive use:
- The sailor tautened the rope before securing the sail.
- She tautened the clothesline so the wet sheets wouldn't sag.
- Intransitive use:
- The cable tautened as the elevator began to ascend.
- His expression tautened when he heard the bad news.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative Use: "Tauten" can describe a non-physical tightening, such as an increase in tension or intensity.
- The atmosphere in the room tautened as they awaited the final verdict.
- Her voice tautened with suppressed anger.
Variants and Related Words
- Taut (adjective): Pulled tight; not slack. (e.g., )
- Tautly (adverb): In a taut manner. (e.g., )
- Tautness (noun): The state or quality of being taut.
Synonyms
- Tighten: To make or become tight or tighter. (A very close synonym, often used interchangeably.)
- Stretch: To draw out or extend to full length. (Emphasizes the act of lengthening to remove slack.)
- Strain: To stretch or exert to the utmost. (Often implies a force near the limit of capacity.)
Antonyms
- Slacken: To make or become less tight or active.
- Loosen: To make less tight or firm.
- Relax: To make or become less tense or rigid.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(Note: "Tauten" itself is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. The concept is typically expressed with "tighten" as in "tighten up.") - Tighten up: To make something tighter or more strict. - We need to tighten up these regulations. (Here, "tauten" would not be used; "tighten" is the standard verb for this meaning.)
Verb
- make taut or tauter
- tauten a rope
- become taut or tauter
- Your muscles will firm when you exercise regularly
- the rope tautened