DOVETAIL Meaning and
Definition
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Dovetail is a verb that refers to the act of joining or fitting two or more things together in a precise and tightly interlocking manner, creating a solid and secure connection. The term is commonly used in woodworking and carpentry, where it specifically denotes the method of shaping and cutting two pieces of wood to interlock perfectly, forming a strong joint without the need for additional fasteners. The resulting connection is often described as resembling the tail of a dove, hence the name "dovetail." This technique has been widely employed for centuries due to its superior strength and durability.
However, "dovetail" is not exclusively limited to woodworking. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the seamless integration or blending of two concepts, ideas, or disciplines, wherein one aspect neatly fits or integrates with another. In this context, dovetailing implies a harmonious and complementary relationship, where the different elements or components combine seamlessly and perform interdependently. This term is frequently employed in academic or professional discussions, referring to the merging of various knowledge domains, collaborations between different professionals, or the coordination of different projects or tasks.
In summary, dovetail encompasses the physical or conceptual process by which two or more components neatly interlock, either in a tangible or abstract sense, forming a tight and harmonious connection.
Common Misspellings for DOVETAIL
Etymology of DOVETAIL
The word "dovetail" originated from the combination of two Middle English words: "dove" and "tail". "Dove" referred to the bird, and "tail" represented the appendage at the rear end of an animal. In the 17th century, craftsmen recognized the similarity between the shape of a dove's tail and the interlocking joint used in woodworking. This interlocking joint resembled the spread and shape of a dove's tail feathers, leading to the creation of the word "dovetail" to describe the joint.
Idioms with the word DOVETAIL
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dovetail with sth
The idiom "dovetail with something" means to fit together perfectly or complement each other harmoniously. It is often used to describe how two or more things seamlessly merge or coordinate well with each other, creating a cohesive or synchronized outcome. Dovetailing implies a smooth integration or alignment of different elements or components to achieve a desired result.
Similar spelling word for DOVETAIL
Conjugate verb Dovetail
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have dovetailed
you
would have dovetailed
he/she/it
would have dovetailed
we
would have dovetailed
they
would have dovetailed
I
would have dovetail
you
would have dovetail
he/she/it
would have dovetail
we
would have dovetail
they
would have dovetail
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been dovetailing
you
would have been dovetailing
he/she/it
would have been dovetailing
we
would have been dovetailing
they
would have been dovetailing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would dovetail
you
would dovetail
he/she/it
would dovetail
we
would dovetail
they
would dovetail
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be dovetailing
you
would be dovetailing
he/she/it
would be dovetailing
we
would be dovetailing
they
would be dovetailing
FUTURE
I
will dovetail
you
will dovetail
he/she/it
will dovetail
we
will dovetail
they
will dovetail
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be dovetailing
you
will be dovetailing
he/she/it
will be dovetailing
we
will be dovetailing
they
will be dovetailing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have dovetailed
you
will have dovetailed
he/she/it
will have dovetailed
we
will have dovetailed
they
will have dovetailed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been dovetailing
you
will have been dovetailing
he/she/it
will have been dovetailing
we
will have been dovetailing
they
will have been dovetailing
IMPERATIVE
you
dovetail
we
let´s dovetail
to dovetail
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was dovetailing
you
were dovetailing
he/she/it
was dovetailing
we
were dovetailing
they
were dovetailing
PAST PARTICIPLE
dovetailed
PAST PERFECT
I
had dovetailed
you
had dovetailed
he/she/it
had dovetailed
we
had dovetailed
they
had dovetailed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been dovetailing
you
had been dovetailing
he/she/it
had been dovetailing
we
had been dovetailing
they
had been dovetailing
PRESENT
I
dovetail
you
dovetail
he/she/it
dovetails
we
dovetail
they
dovetail
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am dovetailing
you
are dovetailing
he/she/it
is dovetailing
we
are dovetailing
they
are dovetailing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
dovetailing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have dovetailed
you
have dovetailed
he/she/it
has dovetailed
we
have dovetailed
they
have dovetailed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been dovetailing
you
have been dovetailing
he/she/it
has been dovetailing
we
have been dovetailing
they
have been dovetailing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
dovetail
SIMPLE PAST
I
dovetailed
you
dovetailed
he/she/it
dovetailed
we
dovetailed
they
dovetailed
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