Definition

Adjective: 1. Of the score in a contest: Having an equal score; even. 2. Closed with a lace: Fastened or secured with laces. 3. Fastened with strings or cords: Bound or secured by tying. 4. Bound together by or as if by a strong rope; especially as by a bond of affection: Connected closely, often by familial or emotional links. 5. Bound or secured closely: Made fast or immobile by being tied up.

Usage Examples

1. Equal Score:
   • The game was intense, with the teams tied until the final minute.
   • The two candidates are tied in the latest opinion poll.
2. Closed with a Lace:
   • He wore a pair of neatly tied leather shoes.
   • Make sure your boots are properly tied before the hike.
3. Fastened with Strings:
   • She handed me a tied bundle of old letters.
   • The presents were all beautifully wrapped and tied with ribbon.
4. Bound by Affection or Relation:
   • The two sisters are deeply tied by their shared experiences.
   • Families are tied together through love and mutual support.
5. Secured Closely:
   • The hostage was found tied to a chair.
   • The robber left the clerk tied up in the back room.

Advanced Usage

• "to be tied to": To be closely connected or obligated to something.
  • His future is tied to the success of this project.
• "to be tied down": To be restricted or limited by responsibilities.
  • She didn't want to be tied down by a long-term contract.
• "tongue-tied": Unable to speak clearly or fluently, typically due to shyness or nervousness.
  • He was completely tongue-tied when he met his idol.

Variants and Related Words

• Tie (verb/noun): The act of tying or a thing that ties (e.g., a necktie, a draw).
• Untied (adj.): Not fastened or bound.
• Tie-up (noun): A connection or association; also, a stoppage or snarl (e.g., a traffic tie-up).

Synonyms

• Even, level, equal (for scores).
• Laced, fastened, secured.
• Bound, trussed, lashed.
• Connected, linked, united.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Tie in with: To be connected or associated with.
  • How does this new evidence tie in with your theory?
• Tie up: To secure with ropes; to engage or occupy completely; to finalize.
  • We need to tie up the loose ends of the deal.
  • The meeting tied me up all afternoon.

Related Idioms

• Fit to be tied: Extremely angry or upset.
  • He was fit to be tied when he saw the damage to his car.
• Tied to someone's apron strings: Excessively dependent on or controlled by someone (often one's mother).
  • He's 30 years old but still seems tied to his mother's apron strings.

Adjective

1. of the score in a contest
   • the score is tied
2. closed with a lace
   • snugly laced shoes
3. fastened with strings or cords
   • a neatly tied bundle
4. bound together by or as if by a strong rope; especially as by a bond of affection
   • people tied by blood or marriage
5. bound or secured closely
   • the guard was found trussed up with his arms and legs securely tied
   • a trussed chicken