The phrase "run together" is spelled /rʌn təˈɡɛðər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "run" is spelled with the letter "r" and the short u sound /ʌ/. The second syllable "to" is spelled with the letter "t" and the schwa sound /ə/. The third syllable "gether" is spelled with the letter "g" and the short e sound /ɛ/ followed by a schwa sound /ə/. When pronounced, the phrase means to merge or blend together without any clear separation.
The phrasal verb "run together" refers to two or more things blending or merging into one inseparable entity without any distinct separation or differentiation. It can be used in various contexts, both literal and figurative.
In a literal sense, "run together" can describe the action of two or more substances or liquids mixing or converging into a single mass or stream. For example, when pouring different colors of paint onto a canvas and then blending them with a brush, the colors may gradually run together, creating new shades or patterns.
Figuratively, "run together" is commonly employed to portray ideas, concepts, or events fused or confused into a unified whole. For instance, when listening to a long lecture or reading a lengthy text, the information presented may become overwhelming or jumbled in our minds, causing different facts or concepts to run together and create confusion.
"Run together" can also describe the blurred or indistinct pronunciation of words or sounds when speaking quickly or indistinctly. In this case, certain syllables or letters may be merged, making it challenging for the listener to separate and comprehend each word clearly.
Furthermore, "run together" may denote the occurrence of multiple events or tasks happening consecutively or in quick succession, lacking clear-cut breaks or intervals. For instance, if someone has a busy schedule, their meetings, appointments, or obligations might run together, giving them little time to pause or rest between each engagement.
Overall, "run together" expresses the notion of things converging, fusing, or becoming indistinguishable from one another in a manner that blurs boundaries or creates challenges in perception or understanding.
The phrase "run together" originated from combining two separate words, "run" and "together".
The word "run" traces back to the Old English word "rinnan", which means "to move swiftly on foot". It is also related to the Middle Dutch word "runnen" and the Gothic word "rinnan". In various Germanic languages, the word has similar meanings of moving quickly or flowing.
The word "together" also has Old English origins, derived from the word "tōgædere", which means "in a group". It is a combination of "tō", meaning "at" or "to", and "gædere", meaning "together".
When these two words are combined, "run together" expresses the action of multiple things moving swiftly side by side or converging into one place.