Inextricably intertwined
/ˌɪnɪkˈstrɪkəbli ˌɪntərˈtwaɪnd/
C2
Definition
The phrase "inextricably intertwined" describes things that are joined or linked in a way that makes it impossible to separate them. When something is inextricable, it means it cannot be undone or escaped. Intertwined means twisted or woven together. Together, they show a very strong, close connection.
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See It in Action
Describing two or more things deeply connected and impossible to separate
- •The history of the two countries is inextricably intertwined.
- •Their lives became inextricably intertwined after years of working together.
- •Culture and language are often inextricably intertwined in a society.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "inextricably intertwined" like "tied together," but much stronger—you cannot just untie or pull them apart easily
- ✓Picture two ropes twisted tightly around each other so much that pulling one rope alone is impossible without the other
- ✓It's like when two friends’ lives are so connected that what happens to one affects the other deeply
- ✓Sounds like "in-extra-cably inter-twined" → imagine something extra strong that you cannot take apart, like two vines growing around each other forever
- ✓Think of the story of the Gordian Knot, a very complex knot that could not be untied, symbolizing something impossible to separate
- ✓NOT like "connected" (which can be loose or easy to separate), "inextricably intertwined" means the connection is very tight and permanent
- ✓NOT like "mixed" (which can be simple mixing), but more like woven or braided together in a way that cannot be undone
Try Other Words
- •Inseparably linked: meaning impossible to separate (Use when emphasizing the permanent connection)
- •Closely connected: meaning very near or related (Use when the connection is strong but not necessarily impossible to separate)
- •Deeply intertwined: meaning twisted or woven together in a strong way (Use when focusing on the complexity of the connection)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "in-" (not, opposite) + "extricable" (able to be untangled) → "inextricable" means not able to be untangled or separated; "intertwined" comes from "inter-" (between) + "twine" (to twist or weave)
- •Etymology: "inextricable" comes from Latin roots meaning "not able to be untied"; "intertwined" comes from Old English "twine" meaning to twist or bind
- •Historical development: "Inextricable" has been used since the 17th century to describe things impossible to separate; "intertwined" has been used to describe physical twisting or close connection
- •Modern usage: Often used metaphorically to describe strong relationships, ideas, or concepts that are closely connected and cannot be separated
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of two things in your life that are inextricably intertwined? How does this connection affect you?
•How does the idea of things being inextricably intertwined help us understand complex problems or relationships?
Fill in the blanks
1.Their fates were inextricably intertwined because they shared the same ___ and ___.
2.When two cultures are inextricably intertwined, it is ___ to separate their traditions.
3.Unlike simple friendships, inextricably intertwined relationships involve ___ connections that last a long time.
4.The phrase "inextricably intertwined" is often used to describe ideas or events that cannot be ___ from each other.
5.We say two things are inextricably intertwined when trying to separate them causes ___ or is ___.
6.In stories, characters whose lives are inextricably intertwined often face ___ challenges together.
7.The words "inextricably intertwined" usually come with strong adverbs like ___ or ___ to show the deep connection.