# tied

/ˈtaɪd/ (US) · /tˈaɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tied
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. connected or linked

adjective · CEFR B1

closely connected or related to something else.

For teachers: closely associated or linked, often implying that the fate or status of one thing depends on the other.

- The value of the local currency is tied to the price of oil.
- The success of the regional economy is inextricably tied to the performance of the manufacturing sector over the next decade.

### 2. equal score

adjective · CEFR B1

having the same score or result at the end of a game or contest.

For teachers: describing a competition or score where two or more participants have achieved the same result.

- The two teams were tied at the end of the second half.
- After a grueling ninety minutes, the match remained tied, forcing the teams into a high-stakes penalty shootout.

### 3. restricted or conditional

adjective · CEFR B2

limited by certain rules or conditions.

For teachers: subject to specific restrictions or conditions, often in a legal, financial, or employment context.

- The government provided aid, but it was tied to specific environmental goals.
- The grant money is tied to strict reporting requirements, meaning the researchers must submit monthly updates to keep their funding.

### 4. employment-linked housing

adjective · CEFR C1 · British English

describing a house or flat provided by an employer for as long as you work for them.

For teachers: referring to accommodation provided by an employer as a condition of employment, typically vacated if the job ends.

- The farm worker lived in a tied cottage on the owner's land.
- Living in tied accommodation can be stressful, as losing one's job simultaneously results in the loss of one's home.

Usage: Commonly used in the phrase 'tied cottage' or 'tied accommodation'.

## Examples

- The two teams are tied at the end of the first half.
- The archaeologist found several bundles of ancient tools tied together with preserved leather straps.
- Although the scores remained tied throughout the final quarter, the home team eventually secured a narrow victory during the closing seconds of overtime.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.