Definition

A situation where things are twisted together or complicated, making it hard to separate them.

Example

The entanglement of the fishing nets caused a delay in our trip.

Conversation

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by an entanglement of tasks at work?

Oh, definitely! Sometimes it feels like everything is piling up at once.

Right? I wish I could find a way to untangle that entanglement more easily.

Me too! Maybe we should brainstorm some strategies together.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Entanglement is formed from "en-" (meaning to cause to be in) and "tangle" (from Middle English "tangel", meaning to twist or intertwine). The word describes the state of being twisted together or intertwined, often in a complex or confusing manner.

Memory Tip

Think of being 'caused to be in' a 'twist' or 'intertwine' — that's what entanglement means, being caught up in a complex situation.

Visually Confused Words