tie

A long narrow piece of cloth worn around the neck, usually with a shirt.

• He wears a blue tie.
• I bought two silk ties for work.
• Could you help me straighten my tie?

Similar words: necktie

Common phrases: wear a tie, silk tie, suit and tie, tie knot

A strong connection between people, groups, or places.

• Their family ties are strong.
• The school built ties with local businesses.
• Moving abroad did not break his ties to home.

How to use it: tie between A and B (There is a strong tie between the two communities.); tie with someone/something (She has a close tie with her hometown.)

Similar words: bond, connection, link

Common phrases: family tie, close tie, tie with someone

A shoe that is fastened with laces.

• He wore black Oxford ties.
• The shop displayed a pair of leather ties.
• She fastened the laces of her Derby ties.

Similar words: lace-up shoe

Common phrases: Oxford tie, Derby tie, a leather tie

To fasten something with string, rope, or a knot.

• Can you tie your shoes?
• She tied a ribbon around the gift.
• We tied the two ropes together.

How to use it: tie something to something (He tied the boat to a post.); tie something with something (She tied the package with string.)

Similar words: fasten, secure

Opposites: untie

Common phrases: tie a knot, tie something up, tie something together

To finish with the same score or position as another player or team.

• The two teams tied.
• We tied the game with a late goal.
• Three students tied for first place.

How to use it: tie with someone (Our team tied with the visitors.); tie for something (Two runners tied for second place.)

Similar words: draw

Common phrases: tie for first, tie with someone, tie the game