tongue-tied
/'tʌɳtaid/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Unable to speak clearly or fluently, typically due to shyness, embarrassment, or strong emotion: Describes a temporary state where a person finds it difficult to speak or articulate words. 2. Speechless or silent: Describes a state of being unable to say anything at all.
Usage
The adjective "tongue-tied" describes a person's temporary condition. It is often used with a linking verb like "be," "feel," or "become." It can be followed by a prepositional phrase starting with "with" to indicate the cause (e.g., with embarrassment, with shyness).
Examples
- She felt completely tongue-tied when she had to give a speech in front of the large audience.
- The surprising question left him tongue-tied for a moment.
- He was tongue-tied with nervousness during the job interview.
Advanced Usage
- To render someone tongue-tied: To cause someone to become speechless.
- The shocking news rendered her tongue-tied.
- Used to describe a more permanent speech impediment in older or medical contexts (this usage is less common today).
- The old term for a person with a stutter was sometimes "tongue-tied."
Variants and Related Words
- Tongue-tie (noun): A congenital condition (ankyloglossia) where the strip of skin under the tongue restricts its movement, which can affect speech.
- The baby had a minor tongue-tie that was easily corrected.
Synonyms
- Speechless
- Inarticulate
- Flustered
- Mute (temporarily)
- At a loss for words
Antonyms
- Articulate
- Eloquent
- Fluent
- Voluble
Idioms and Related Phrases
- To be/feel at a loss for words: A very similar idiom meaning to be unable to think of what to say.
- I was at a loss for words when I saw the beautiful sunset.
- Cat got your tongue?: A playful, informal question asked when someone is unexpectedly silent.
- "What's the matter, cat got your tongue?" she teased the quiet child.
Adjective
- unable to express yourself clearly or fluently
- felt tongue-tied with embarrassment
- incoherent with grief