dovetailing
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈdoʊvˌteɪlɪŋ/
KK: /ˈdoʊvˌteɪlɪŋ/
noun
Definition
A situation where different things fit together well or are combined smoothly.
Example
The dovetailing of their ideas led to a successful project.
Conversation
Have you noticed how our schedules are dovetailing lately?
Yeah, it's great that we can hang out more often now.
I think this dovetailing of our plans is really working well for us.
Absolutely! It makes coordinating so much easier.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
integration
alignment
convergence
Antonyms
disconnection
separation
divergence
verb
Definition
To fit together tightly or to combine different elements in a harmonious way.
Example
The two plans are dovetailing nicely, creating a comprehensive strategy for the project.
Tense Forms
Past: dovetailed
Past Participle: dovetailed
Conversation
I love how our ideas are dovetailing so well in this project.
Yeah, it's really coming together nicely!
It feels like we're on the same wavelength, which is great.
Root Explanation
Dovetailing → The word 'dovetail' is formed from 'dove' (referring to the bird, which is thought to resemble the shape of the joint) and 'tail' (from Old French *taile*, meaning to cut or shape). The term originally described a type of joint in woodworking that resembles the shape of a dove's tail, where two pieces of wood are joined together securely. The suffix '-ing' indicates the action or process of performing this joining.
Memory Tip
Imagine the shape of a dove's tail as two pieces of wood fitting together perfectly — that's what dovetailing means, the action of joining pieces securely.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.