The word "ran together" is spelled as /ræn təˈɡeðər/. The initial sound /r/ is followed by the short vowel sound /æ/ and then /n/. The second word "together" begins with a schwa sound /ə/ followed by the consonant /t/. The stressed syllable is /ɡeð/ with the vowel sound /e/ and the final consonant /r/. This phonetic transcription helps to show the correct pronunciation and spelling of the word "ran together".
"Ran together" is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of two or more events or actions occurring simultaneously or closely following one another, often in a manner that makes them indistinguishable or difficult to separate. It implies the blending or merging of separate occurrences into a single entity or experience.
The phrase can describe a range of situations where events or actions appear to flow without clear or distinct boundaries or if there is a lack of separation between them. For example, in a narrative or storytelling context, it can refer to a sequence of events that happen rapidly or without clear transitions, making it challenging for the listener or reader to differentiate them or assign individual importance to each. Similarly, in conversation or speech, "ran together" may describe moments when words or concepts are spoken quickly or without sufficient pauses, resulting in a merging of ideas or a loss of clarity.
Additionally, "ran together" can describe instances where multiple tasks or responsibilities are performed simultaneously or in quick succession, blurring the lines between them. This can occur in various contexts such as work, household chores, or even personal activities. The phrase suggests that the activities are intermingled or overlap, potentially causing confusion, inefficiency, or a lack of clear distinction between them.
Overall, "ran together" refers to the blending or merging of events, actions, ideas, or tasks, often resulting in a loss of separation, clarity, or distinction between individual elements.
The phrase "ran together" is not a single word with an independent etymology. Instead, it is a combination of two separate words: "ran" and "together".
The word "ran" is the past tense of the verb "run", which originated from Old English "rinnan". It shares common roots with other Germanic languages, such as Old Saxon "rennan" and Old Norse "renna".
The word "together" comes from the Old English word "togædere", which is a combination of "to" (meaning "with" or "in association") and "gædere" (meaning "to bring together" or "gather"). It is related to the Middle Low German "toge(d)der" and Old Frisian "togadera".
Overall, "ran together" simply means the act of running in a collective or concurrent manner.