Raveling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งต
raveling
[หrรฆv.ษl.ษชล ]
Definition
unraveling threads
Raveling refers to the process of entangling or tangling threads or fibers, causing them to become knotted or intertwined. This term often applies to textiles and crafts where threads may become complicated and difficult to separate. It can also suggest a gradual unwinding of something complex, such as an idea or a problem. Raveling can be viewed as the opposite of unraveling, which is the act of solving or clarifying something that was complicated.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The yarn started raveling after being left out.
- She noticed the scarf was raveling at the edges.
- He spent hours raveling the tangled mess of string.
Translations
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Origin of 'raveling'
The word 'raveling' derives from the Middle English term 'ravel,' which means to tangle or to entangle. This, in turn, comes from an earlier form found in Old English 'refelan,' meaning to tear or to snatch away. The term evolved through the centuries to describe the action of tangling fibers, and it also took on metaphorical meanings. The form 'raveling' is often used in American English, while 'ravelling' is used in British English. The semantic development of the term also reflects the duality of its usage, as it can signify both the process of entangling and the act of undoing or simpler, clearer understanding. Over time, it has retained its association with threads and complexities in various contexts.