Dovetail
/ˈdʌvˌteɪl/
verbnounB2
Definition
As a verb, "dovetail" means to join or fit together in a way that is smooth and perfect, like puzzle pieces fitting without spaces. As a noun, it refers to the shape or joint itself where two parts connect tightly. The word comes from a type of woodworking joint shaped like a dove’s tail, which is strong and holds pieces firmly.
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See It in Action
To fit or work together exactly and well
- •Their ideas dovetail perfectly, so the project will succeed.
- •The schedule dovetails with mine, so we can meet easily.
- •The two plans dovetail to create a stronger solution.
A woodworking joint shaped like a dove’s tail that holds pieces tightly
- •The drawer uses dovetail joints to stay strong and last long.
- •The carpenter showed me how to cut dovetails for the box.
- •Dovetail joints are common in high-quality furniture.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "dovetail" like "fit" (A1 word), but much stronger and more exact—like two puzzle pieces that lock tightly, not just sit next to each other
- ✓Picture two wooden pieces with a special shape that slides into each other perfectly, making a strong connection
- ✓It’s the feeling when your plans or ideas match so well they work together without problems
- ✓Sounds like "DOVE-tail" → imagine a dove’s tail feathers shaped to lock into something else smoothly and firmly
- ✓Imagine building a wooden box where the corners lock so tightly you can’t pull them apart easily
- ✓NOT like "connect" (which can be loose or weak), "dovetail" means a very tight, exact fit
- ✓NOT like "join" (which can be simple), "dovetail" suggests a special, clever way parts fit together
- ✓NOT like "fit" (which can be general), "dovetail" means parts fit in a way that supports and strengthens the whole
Try Other Words
- •Match: to be the same or similar and work well together (Use when talking about ideas or plans that are similar or compatible)
- •Join: to bring two things together (Use for general connection without implying perfect fit)
- •Align: to arrange things so they line up correctly (Use when focusing on positioning or agreement)
- •Mesh: to work together smoothly (Use when things or people cooperate well)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "dove" (a type of bird) + "tail" (the back part of the bird) → named after the shape of the joint that looks like a dove’s tail
- •Etymology: From woodworking where a "dovetail joint" is a strong way to join wood pieces
- •Historical development: Used in carpentry for centuries to describe this special joint; later used figuratively for ideas or plans fitting well
- •Modern usage: Used in woodworking and also in everyday language to describe things that fit or work together perfectly
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when your ideas or plans dovetailed well with someone else’s? What made them fit so well?
•How can understanding the idea of dovetailing help you work better with others or organize your tasks?
Fill in the blanks
1.The two parts of the machine dovetail ___ to create a strong connection that won’t break.
2.When their schedules dovetail ___, it is easier for them to meet without problems.
3.Unlike a loose connection, a dovetail joint fits ___ and holds the pieces firmly.
4.The carpenter showed me how to cut dovetail joints ___ wood pieces tightly together.
5.Their ideas dovetail ___, making the project more successful than if they worked separately.
6.You can tell the plans dovetail ___ because they cover all the same goals without conflict.
7.When parts dovetail ___, it usually means they were designed to work together perfectly.