Tied vs. Bound: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 5, 2023
Tied refers to fastening with a knot or attached by string, while bound implies being confined, restrained, or obligated.
Difference Between Tied and Bound
Tied and bound are both verbs that describe a state of being connected or restricted. Tied generally refers to being fastened, especially with a knot, such as with strings, ropes, or laces. On the other hand, bound can describe a physical restraint but can also point to a non-physical obligation or commitment.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
In a literal sense, when someone says they've "tied a knot," it indicates the act of joining two ends using a specific technique. Alternatively, when we use the term "bound," it might mean something or someone is wrapped or enclosed tightly, as in "bound by ropes."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
From a figurative perspective, the word tied often implies a connection or association. For example, someone might say their hands are "tied" to suggest they're prevented from acting due to circumstances beyond their control. Conversely, bound can imply duty or responsibility, as in being "bound by honor" to fulfill a promise.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
Both tied and bound evoke a sense of limitation or restriction. However, while tied typically leans more towards a physical act of fastening, bound has broader applications, extending to describe limitations of duty, law, or even fate.
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Sep 05, 2023
Tied vs. Bound Comparison Chart
Figurative Meaning
Being connected or associated with
Obligated or duty-bound to
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Sep 05, 2023
Grammatical Use
Often used as a past participle or adjective
Can be used as a verb, noun, adjective, or past participle
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Sep 05, 2023
Etymological Origin
From Old English "tīgan" meaning to tie up or fasten
From Old English "bindan" meaning to tie or fasten securely
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Sep 05, 2023
Tied vs. Bound Definitions
◉Bound
Confined or restrained by something.
The prisoner was bound by chains.
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Sep 05, 2023
◉Tied
Bound by a close relationship or common interest.
They were tied by their shared memories.
Elijah
Sep 05, 2023
◉Tied
To fasten or secure with or as if with a cord, rope, or strap
tied the kite to a post.
tie up a bundle.
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May 03, 2023
◉Tied
To fasten by drawing together the parts or sides and knotting with strings or laces
tied her shoes.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
To leap forward or upward; jump; spring
The dog bounded over the gate.
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May 03, 2023
◉Tied
To confine or restrict as if with cord
duties that tied him to the office.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
To spring back from a surface; rebound
The basketball bounded off the backboard.
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May 03, 2023
◉Tied
To bring together in relationship; connect or unite
friends who were tied by common interests.
people who are tied by blood or marriage.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
To set a limit to; confine
a high wall that bounded the prison yard.
lives that were bounded by poverty.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
To constitute the boundary or limit of
a city park that was bounded by busy streets.
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May 03, 2023
◉Tied
To equal an opponent's score in (a contest)
tied the game with minutes remaining.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
A springing back from a surface after hitting it; a bounce
caught the ball on the bound.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
often bounds A boundary; a limit
Our joy knew no bounds. Your remarks exceed the bounds of reason.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
bounds The territory on, within, or near limiting lines
the bounds of the kingdom.
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May 03, 2023
◉Tied
One of the timbers or slabs of concrete laid across a railroad bed to support the rails.
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May 03, 2023
◉Tied
An equality of scores, votes, or performance in a contest
The election ended in a tie.
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May 03, 2023
◉Tied
(Music)A curved line above or below two notes of the same pitch, indicating that the tone is to be sustained for their combined duration.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
Determined; resolved
Many public policy students are bound to be politicians one day.
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◉Tied
Closely connected or associated.
As a couple, they are strongly tied to one another.
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◉Bound
(Linguistics) Being a form, especially a morpheme, that cannot stand as an independent word, such as a prefix or suffix.
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◉Bound
Headed or intending to head in a specified direction
commuters bound for home.
a south-bound train.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
simple past tense and past participle of bind
I bound the splint to my leg.
I had bound the splint with duct tape.
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May 03, 2023
◉Tied
Provided for use by an employer for as long as one is employed, often with restrictions on the conditions of use.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
To surround a territory or other geographical entity; to form the boundary of.
France, Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra bound Spain.
Kansas is bounded by Nebraska on the north, Missouri on the east, Oklahoma on the south and Colorado on the west.
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May 03, 2023
◉Tied
(archeology) Having walls that are connected in a few places by a single stone overlapping from one wall to another.
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◉Tied
(philately) a cover having a stamp where the postmark cancellation overlaps the stamp.
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◉Bound
(intransitive) To leap, move by jumping.
The rabbit bounded down the lane.
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◉Tied
bound or secured closely;
the guard was found trussed up with his arms and legs securely tied
a trussed chicken
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May 03, 2023
◉Tied
bound together by or as if by a strong rope; especially as by a bond of affection;
people tied by blood or marriage
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
To cause to rebound; to throw so that it will rebound; to bounce.
to bound a ball on the floor
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◉Bound
Ready to start or go (to); moving in the direction (of).
Which way are you bound?
Is that message bound for me?
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
(with infinitive) Very likely (to), certain to
They were bound to come into conflict eventually.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
A boundary, the border which one must cross in order to enter or leave a territory.
I reached the northern bound of my property, took a deep breath and walked on.
Somewhere within these bounds you may find a buried treasure.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
(mathematics) A value which is known to be greater or smaller than a given set of values.
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◉Bound
A sizeable jump, great leap.
The deer crossed the stream in a single bound.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
The external or limiting line, either real or imaginary, of any object or space; that which limits or restrains, or within which something is limited or restrained; limit; confine; extent; boundary.
He hath compassed the waters with bounds.
On earth's remotest bounds.
And mete the bounds of hate and love.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
To limit; to terminate; to fix the furthest point of extension of; - said of natural or of moral objects; to lie along, or form, a boundary of; to inclose; to circumscribe; to restrain; to confine.
Where full measure only bounds excess.
Phlegethon . . .Whose fiery flood the burning empire bounds.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
To move with a sudden spring or leap, or with a succession of springs or leaps; as the beast bounded from his den; the herd bounded across the plain.
Before his lord the ready spaniel bounds.
And the waves bound beneath me as a steedThat knows his rider.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
To cause to rebound; to throw so that it will rebound; as, to bound a ball on the floor.
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◉Bound
Constrained or compelled; destined; certain; - followed by the infinitive; as, he is bound to succeed; he is bound to fail.
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◉Bound
Ready or intending to go; on the way toward; going; - with to or for, or with an adverb of motion; as, a ship is bound to Cadiz, or for Cadiz.
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
move forward by leaps and bounds;
The horse bounded across the meadow
The child leapt across the puddle
Can you jump over the fence?
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
place limits on (extent or access);
restrict the use of this parking lot
limit the time you can spend with your friends
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
spring back; spring away from an impact;
The rubber ball bounced
These particles do not resile but they unite after they collide
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
held with another element, substance or material in chemical or physical union
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◉Bound
secured with a cover or binding; often used as a combining form;
bound volumes
leather-bound volumes
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◉Bound
(usually followed by `to') governed by fate;
bound to happen
an old house destined to be demolished
he is destined to be famous
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May 03, 2023
◉Bound
covered or wrapped with a bandage;
the bandaged wound on the back of his head
an injury bound in fresh gauze
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◉Bound
headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in `college-bound students';
children bound for school
a flight destined for New York
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May 03, 2023
Tied vs. Bound Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can "tied" be used in sports contexts?
A: Yes, in sports, "tied" can mean having equal scores, like "The game is tied."
Jonathan
Sep 05, 2023
Q: Is being "tied down" the same as being "bound"?
A: While both suggest restriction, being "tied down" leans towards commitment, whereas "bound" can suggest duty or destiny.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
Q: What does it mean to be "tied by blood"?
A: It means being connected by familial relationships.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
Q: How is "tied up" different from "tied"?
A: "Tied up" often suggests being busy or occupied, while "tied" can mean physically fastened or restricted.
Lucas
Sep 05, 2023
Q: What does "bound by honor" signify?
A: It signifies a strong moral obligation to uphold a certain code or promise.
Kaitlyn
Sep 05, 2023
Q: How is "bound" used in terms of books?
A: It refers to how the pages of a book are held together, like "leather-bound."
Kaitlyn
Sep 05, 2023
Q: Can "bound" signify movement or direction?
A: Yes, it can mean heading towards a destination, as in "westward bound."
Leo
Sep 05, 2023
Q: Can tied and bound be used interchangeably in all contexts?
A: No, while both imply restriction, "tied" often refers to a physical fastening, and "bound" can also mean obligated or destined.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
Q: Can "tied" refer to emotional connections?
A: Yes, it can suggest being emotionally connected or committed, as in "tied to the past."
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 05, 2023
Q: Can "bound" also be a noun?
A: Yes, "bound" can mean a jump or leap, as in "The dog made a playful bound."
Leo
Sep 05, 2023
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Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
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Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
