tauten

IPA/ˈtɔːtn/
IPA/ˈtɔːtn/

tauten — verb

  • tautenpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • tautenshe / she / it
  • tautenedpast simple
  • tautening-ing form

1. to become stretched tight with no loose or slack parts, or to pull a rope, cable

1.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to become stretched tight with no loose or slack parts, or to pull a rope, cable, piece of cloth, or similar object until it reaches this state

例句

Felix tautened the rope between two trees before hanging the hammock from it.

transitive: tauten + object for pulling tight

When Sven pulled hard on the cable, the wire tautened and hummed loudly in the wind.

intransitive: subject + tautens without an object

同義詞
  • tighten

    More common and broader in meaning — works for screws, rules, and budgets, not only physical tension

  • stretch

    Focuses on the act of pulling something longer, while 'tauten' emphasises reaching a state of no slack

  • stiffen

    Describes becoming rigid or hard, often without the sense of being pulled from both ends

反義詞
  • loosen

    To make something less tight or to release tension

  • slacken

    Specifically reducing tension in something that was previously taut

文法句型

tauten + object (transitive)

subject + tautens (intransitive)

用法筆記

Both transitive and intransitive. The subject of intransitive use — or the object of transitive use — is typically a physical object such as a rope, cable, muscle, piece of fabric, or skin.

常見錯誤

❌I tautened the screw on the door handle.
✅I tightened the screw on the door handle.
💡'Tighten' is used for screws and fasteners; 'tauten' is used for ropes, cables, cloth, or skin that become stretched.
❌The government tautened the rules on immigration.
✅The government tightened the rules on immigration.
💡'Tauten' is physical only; do not use it for abstract things like rules, laws, or security.