Intertangle vs. Tangle — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 17, 2024
Intertangle implies a complex interconnection or entwinement, often figurative, while tangle denotes physical entanglement or confusion.
Difference Between Intertangle and Tangle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Intertangle is used to describe situations or issues that are intricately interconnected, suggesting a more complex relationship. Whereas, tangle typically refers to the physical act of twisting or entwining things together, resulting in a disordered or knotted state.
Intertangle often carries a metaphorical connotation, highlighting the complicated interactions between components. On the other hand, tangle is more commonly used in a literal sense to describe items like hair, wires, or strings that are knotted or twisted together.
Intertangle can also imply a difficulty in separating the elements involved, suggesting a depth of complication. Conversely, tangle often connotes a mess that can be resolved by detangling or untangling the involved items.
Intertangle is less frequently used in everyday language and carries a more formal or literary tone. In contrast, tangle is a common term, familiar and widely used across various contexts.
Comparison Chart
Usage
Metaphorical, complex relationships
Literal, physical entanglements
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Commonality
Less common, more formal
More common, informal
Resolution
Implies difficulty in resolution due to complexity
Often physically resolvable
Context
Often used in discussions of abstract concepts
Used in everyday, practical scenarios
Example Scenario
Intertangled interests in a corporate merger
Tangled cables behind a computer desk
Compare with Definitions
Intertangle
To become very complicated or too closely involved with something.
The plot of the novel is so intertangled that it's hard to identify the villain.
Tangle
To twist together into a confused mass.
The kitten played with the yarn until it was a complete tangle.
Intertangle
To involve or engage in a complex scenario.
The debate topics were intertangled with current political issues.
Tangle
To involve in a confusing or complicated situation.
He got tangled in his own lies during the interview.
Intertangle
To intertwine or entwine in a complex manner.
The artist's new work intertangles various cultural symbols.
Tangle
To ensnare or trap in difficulties.
They were tangled in legal problems for months.
Intertangle
To mix or complicate interactions or relationships.
Their family histories are deeply intertangled.
Tangle
A state of disorder or confusion.
Trying to organize the event without a plan led to a complete tangle.
Intertangle
To connect or link different elements intricately.
The narrative intertangles multiple characters’ lives seamlessly.
Tangle
To become or cause to become twisted together.
The fishing lines tangle easily when not stored properly.
Intertangle
(transitive) To entangle; to intertwine.
Tangle
To mix together or intertwine in a confused mass; snarl
The fishing lines from the two boats were tangled.
Intertangle
To entangle; to intertwine.
Tangle
To catch or ensnare in an intertwined or confused mass
A turtle was tangled in the fishing net.
Tangle
To involve in a complicated situation or in circumstances from which it is difficult to disengage
He got tangled up in a scheme to commit fraud.
Tangle
To be or become entangled.
Tangle
(Informal) To enter into argument, dispute, or conflict
Tangled with the law.
Tangle
A confused, intertwined mass
A tangle of blood vessels.
Tangle
A jumbled or confused state or condition
A tangle of conflicting reports.
Tangle
(Informal) An argument or altercation.
Tangle
Any of several large edible seaweeds, especially a kelp.
Tangle
(transitive) To mix together or intertwine.
Tangle
(intransitive) To become mixed together or intertwined.
Her hair was tangled from a day in the wind.
Tangle
To enter into an argument, conflict, dispute, or fight.
Don't tangle with someone three times your size.
He tangled with the law.
Tangle
(transitive) To catch and hold.
Tangle
A tangled twisted mass.
Tangle
A complicated or confused state or condition.
I tried to sort through this tangle and got nowhere.
Tangle
An argument, conflict, dispute, or fight.
Tangle
(mathematics) A region of the projection of a knot such that the knot crosses its perimeter exactly four times.
Tangle
(medicine) A paired helical fragment of tau protein found in a nerve cell and associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Tangle
A form of art which consists of sections filled with repetitive patterns.
Tangle
Any large type of seaweed, especially a species of Laminaria.
Tangle
(in the plural) An instrument consisting essentially of an iron bar to which are attached swabs, or bundles of frayed rope, or other similar substances, used to capture starfishes, sea urchins, and other similar creatures living at the bottom of the sea.
Tangle
(Scotland) Any long hanging thing, even a lanky person.
Tangle
To unite or knit together confusedly; to interweave or interlock, as threads, so as to make it difficult to unravel the knot; to entangle; to ravel.
Tangle
To involve; to insnare; to entrap; as, to be tangled in lies.
When my simple weakness strays,Tangled in forbidden ways.
Tangle
To be entangled or united confusedly; to get in a tangle.
Tangle
Any large blackish seaweed, especially the Laminaria saccharina. See Kelp.
Coral and sea fan and tangle, the blooms and the palms of the ocean.
Tangle
A knot of threads, or other thing, united confusedly, or so interwoven as not to be easily disengaged; a snarl; as, hair or yarn in tangles; a tangle of vines and briers. Used also figuratively.
Tangle
An instrument consisting essentially of an iron bar to which are attached swabs, or bundles of frayed rope, or other similar substances, - used to capture starfishes, sea urchins, and other similar creatures living at the bottom of the sea.
Tangle
A twisted and tangled mass that is highly interwoven;
They carved their way through the tangle of vines
Tangle
Something jumbled or confused;
A tangle of government regulations
Tangle
Force into some kind of situation, condition, or course of action;
They were swept up by the events
Don't drag me into this business
Tangle
Tangle or complicate;
A ravelled story
Tangle
Disarrange or rumple; dishevel;
The strong wind tousled my hair
Tangle
Twist together or entwine into a confusing mass;
The child entangled the cord
Common Curiosities
Can tangle be used metaphorically?
Yes, tangle can also metaphorically describe a confusing or complex situation.
What does intertangle imply in a conversation?
It implies a discussion about relationships or issues that are complex and deeply interconnected.
Are intertangle and tangle synonyms?
While they share some overlapping meanings, intertangle is more complex and metaphorical, whereas tangle is straightforward and literal.
Is intertangle a common term in everyday speech?
No, intertangle is less common and more formal, often used in literary or specific contexts.
What types of objects are commonly described as tangled?
Objects like wires, hair, and threads are commonly described as tangled.
Can a relationship be described as tangled?
Yes, relationships can be described as tangled when they are complicated or troubled.
Is tangle always negative?
Tangle often has negative connotations but can be neutral depending on the context.
How can one resolve a tangle?
A tangle can often be resolved by physically separating the entwined elements.
What is the difference between intertangle and intertwine?
Intertangle implies a more complex and problematic mixing than intertwine, which can be neutral or positive.
How does one use intertangle in a sentence?
"The foreign policies of the countries are deeply intertangled."
What kind of problems does intertangle usually refer to?
Intertangle usually refers to complex, intertwined problems that are difficult to dissect.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
