Flatten: meaning, definitions and examples

Used generally to describe making a surface even or level. It can also be used metaphorically to describe reducing something to a simpler form.

• He needs to flatten the soil before planting the seeds.
• The economic crisis managed to flatten many small businesses.

Used to describe a process of gradually becoming flat, often over a period of time or distance. Frequently used in geographical or physical contexts.

• The road seems to flatten out after the steep hill.
• The dough will flatten out as it bakes.

Used specifically to describe pressing something down to make it flat, often mentioned in physical or tangible contexts.

• Please flatten down the cardboard boxes so they take up less space.
• She flattened down her hair with some gel.

Used to describe the process of untangling or disassembling something complicated or tangled. It can also be used metaphorically to describe solving a complex problem or situation.

• It took hours to unravel the tangled necklace.
• The mystery began to unravel once they found the key clue.

Typically used to describe making a surface or object smooth and even. Often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

• She used a rolling pin to flatten the dough.
• The company plans to flatten the organizational structure.