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

1. unable to express yourself clearly or fluently
   • felt tongue-tied with embarrassment
   • incoherent with grief