The phrase "held together" is pronounced /hɛld təˈɡɛðər/. The first two letters "he" are pronounced with an open e sound, followed by the "L" sound in the middle. The letter "d" at the end is pronounced softly, and the final two letters "together" are pronounced with a schwa sound that's followed by a soft "g" sound, followed by another schwa sound with a lightly rolled "r" sound at the end. The spelling of this phrase is phonetically accurate to its pronunciation.
"Held together" refers to the state or condition of an object or a group of people being united, connected, or bound by some force or influence. It implies a sense of cohesion, strength, or stability that allows the individual parts or elements to remain unified and form a collective entity.
In the context of physical objects, being "held together" often refers to the structural integrity maintained by various means, such as adhesive materials, fasteners, or other mechanical forces. For example, a wooden table may be held together by the presence of sturdy joints or screws, ensuring that its components remain securely connected. Similarly, a building may rely on a combination of materials, like bricks, cement, and steel, to be held together and maintain its stability.
When applied to groups of people, being "held together" denotes the presence of factors that foster unity, cohesiveness, and cooperation within the group. This can include shared values, common goals or interests, effective leadership, or a sense of belonging. For instance, a tightly knit family is "held together" by love, trust, and mutual support, whereas an organization may be "held together" by the shared vision and dedication of its members.
Overall, the phrase "held together" signifies the state of unity, connection, or cohesion that is achieved through various means, ensuring that the individual parts or elements remain integrated and function harmoniously as a collective whole.
The phrase "held together" is not a word in itself, but rather a combination of two words: "held" and "together". Therefore, it is more appropriate to examine the etymology of each individual word.
1. "Held":
The word "held" is the past tense and past participle of the verb "hold". It originated from the Old English word "healdan", which is related to the Old Norse word "halda" and the Gothic word "haldan". These words share a common Proto-Germanic origin, "haldaną", which means "to hold, possess". The original meaning of "hold" is "to grasp or grip", and it has since developed various senses and figurative uses, including the concept of "keeping something together or intact".
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