How Do You Spell DOVETAIL?

Pronunciation: [dˈʌvte͡ɪl] (IPA)

Dovetail is a word that is often misspelled due to its unusual spelling. It is spelled [ˈdʌv.teɪl], with a "v" instead of the more expected "f" sound. The word refers to a technique used in woodworking and refers to a type of joint that is shaped like a bird's tail. To spell dovetail correctly, remember the "v" in the middle, and the unusual "eɪ" diphthong that is pronounced as "ay". With these tips, spelling dovetail should be a breeze!

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling word
Plural
Conjugate verb
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DOVETAIL Meaning and Definition

  1. 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

  • 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

Plural form of DOVETAIL is DOVETAILS

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

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

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

Infographic

Correct spelling for dovetail
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