YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

dovetail

Verb

IPA /ˈdʌvteɪl/

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Meaning in plain English

To fit together well with another plan, activity or set of needs.

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Pronunciation

dovetail/ˈdʌvteɪl/

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Follow the idea

One plan covers the first task
Another plan fits the next task
The plans work well together

Plans dovetail when they fit together neatly and support one another.

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Examples in context

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My free afternoons dovetail neatly with her days off.
The new course dovetails with the skills required for the placement.

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My free afternoons ________ neatly with her days off.

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dovetail — To fit together well with another plan, activity or set of needs.

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To fit together well with another plan, activity or set of needs.

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Word origin

From a carpentry joint whose shape resembles a dove's tail; the verb developed a figurative sense of fitting closely.

Did you know?

Dovetail with something is the common pattern for compatible plans.

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