Definition

To become twisted together or caught in a confusing situation.

Example

The wires began to tangle as I tried to organize them.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard you got into a bit of a mess with your neighbor.

Yeah, we really tangled over that noise complaint.

That sounds stressful! How did it even start?

It was just a misunderstanding, but it felt like we were really tangled in it for a while.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A confused or twisted mass of things that are intertwined or mixed together.

Example

The cat got its tail caught in a tangle of yarn.

Conversation

I just found a huge tangle of headphones in my bag.

Oh no, I hate when that happens!

Yeah, it took me forever to untie them.

Definition

To twist or mix things together in a way that makes them difficult to separate.

Example

The dog managed to tangle its leash around a tree.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I tried to organize my cables, but they always seem to tangle up again.

Yeah, that happens to me all the time!

It's so frustrating when they tangle like that, especially when I'm in a hurry.

Root Explanation

Tangle → The word 'tangle' originates from Middle English 'tangel', which is derived from Old Norse 'tangl', meaning a mass of seaweed or a snare. The word describes the act of intertwining or becoming ensnared in a complex or confused state.

Memory Tip

Imagine something getting caught in a 'snare' or becoming a 'mass' of intertwined strands — that's why 'tangle' means to become twisted or confused.

Visually Confused Words