The phrase "bind together" can be transcribed in IPA as /baɪnd təˈɡeðər/. The first syllable, "bind," is spelled with a single "i" and pronounced as /baɪnd/. The second syllable, "together," is spelled as expected and pronounced as /təˈɡeðər/. The stress falls on the second syllable, so it is pronounced with a slightly stronger emphasis. The combination of the two words, when spoken quickly, almost blends into one unit due to the similar "n" and "t" sounds at the end of "bind" and "together."
The phrase "bind together" refers to the action of bringing or joining multiple things, ideas, or individuals together in a cohesive manner, forming a unified whole or strengthening existing connections. It implies the act of creating a bond or link that can foster a sense of unity, cooperation, or mutual support among the entities involved.
When used in a literal sense, "bind together" can mean physically securing or fastening separate objects or parts to create a single entity. This can involve using materials like ropes, glue, or nails to connect or tie elements together, ensuring they remain together and function as a whole. This physical binding can be observed in various contexts, such as bookbinding, where sheets of paper are joined and secured to form a complete volume.
In a metaphorical sense, "bind together" denotes the process of merging diverse elements, ideas, or individuals to achieve a common purpose or goal. It involves fostering a sense of unity, collaboration, or harmony among different entities, often resulting in increased strength, effectiveness, or coherence. This figurative binding can manifest in various scenarios, including bringing together people from different backgrounds or perspectives, integrating multiple concepts or theories to form a comprehensive understanding, or consolidating various components to create a stronger and more resilient system.
In essence, "bind together" is about the act of connecting, uniting, or merging separate entities, physical or abstract, to create a collective whole that benefits from the synergy and cooperation of its individual parts.
The etymology of the phrase "bind together" can be understood by examining the origins of the individual words.
1. Bind:
The word "bind" can be traced back to the Old English word "bindan", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bindanan". This Proto-Germanic root is further linked to the Old Norse word "binda", Middle Low German word "binden", and German word "binden", all having similar meanings of "to tie" or "to fasten". The Old English word "bindan" has been in use since the 9th century.
2. Together:
The word "together" emerged from the Old English word "togædere", which is a combination of "to-" (a preposition often denoting "general union") and "-gædere" (meaning "together").