ENGLISH
REFERENCE

tying

n.
B1 Intermediate US //ˈtaɪɪŋ// UK //tˈaɪɪŋ// ty·ing

n. the act of fastening or closing something with a string, rope, or ribbon. It is the form of the word 'tie' used when an action is happening right now.

n. the present participle or gerund form of 'tie', referring to the act of fastening or securing with a cord or knot. In a mining context, it specifically refers to the structural connection of supports or timbers.


SIMPLE

He is tying his shoelaces before going for a run.

CONTEXTUAL

The workers spent the morning tying the heavy equipment to the truck to ensure it stayed safe during the move.

COMPLEX

By tying the success of the project to the performance of individual teams, the management hoped to foster a greater sense of collective responsibility among the staff.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English tiȝing, teing, from Old English tīgung, tīging (“connection”), from Proto-Germanic taugungō, from taugijaną from Proto-Indo-European dewk- (“to tug, draw”). Equivalent to tie + -ing. Present participle from Old English tīgende, from tīgan, tīegan.

Usage

The spelling requires dropping the 'ie' and adding 'ying'.

Pitfall

tieingtyingVerbs ending in 'ie' change to 'y' before adding 'ing'.

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