What does tide mean?
The word tide most commonly denotes the periodic rise and fall of seawater along a coast, a movement caused by the gravitational effects of the Moon and the Sun and influenced by weather and coastal geography. In figurative use, a tide can be a broad movement in public opinion, politics, business, or culture: “a tide of change.” The same metaphor appears in the verb tide, as in “tide over a crisis,” meaning to endure or help someone else endure difficulty. In its basic sense, tide can refer either to the rising movement or to the overall cycle of changing sea level, while expressions such as “high tide” and “low tide” identify particular points in that cycle. The word is common in British and American English and carries a neutral, factual meaning, but its figurative use often suggests a powerful, difficult-to-reverse movement. It is especially useful when describing how changing circumstances affect individuals or communities.
The periodic rise and fall of seawater, or a broad movement or trend in events, conditions, or opinion.
"The rising tide gradually covered the lower part of the path."
The figurative sense is common in political, social, and economic contexts.
To rise or fall like a tide, or to help someone or something endure or overcome a difficult situation.
"The community rallied to tide over the difficult winter."
The phrase “tide over” is especially common in informal and semi-formal English.
The plural is used for different tidal movements or for a recurring pattern, as in “the tides of history.”
"The changing tides affected the boats in the harbor."
The sea rises and falls in tides, but the word also captures the way events, opinions, and fortunes sweep through a whole society.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tide come from?
Tide comes from Old English tīde, an inherited Germanic word for the regular movement of seawater. Cognates include Dutch tij, German Tide, Danish tid, and Swedish tid. English later extended the word figuratively to changing trends and circumstances, and related forms include tidal, tidewater, and tideless.
Related word forms
How tide is actually used
Tide is natural in both formal and informal English. The figurative noun is especially common in discussions of social, political, and economic change, as in “a tide of opinion.” The verb is often used with “over,” meaning to survive or withstand a difficult period.
Easily confused with tide
Tide is the noun and verb referring to the movement of seawater or a similar rise and fall, whereas tied means fastened or having drawn a tie in a game or competition.