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Ravelled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ravelled

[ˈræv.əld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

traveling experience

To ravel means to become entangled or to confuse. It can refer to loosening threads in a fabric or more abstractly, to complicating a situation. In a broader sense, it may also refer to the process of traveling, especially in relation to the experiences or events that occur during the journey. The term can have both positive connotations, such as discovering new places, or negative ones, such as getting lost. Overall, it's a versatile word that captures the nuances of complex situations.

Synonyms

traverse, unravel, untangle.

Examples of usage

  • He ravelled through the ancient ruins, fascinated by their history.
  • They ravelled their way through crowded markets, experiencing the local culture.
  • As she ravelled to different countries, she collected memories and stories.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, the word 'ravelled' is often used to describe complex plots or tangled emotions, enhancing the drama of the story.
  • Famous authors like Shakespeare have employed the term to illustrate convoluted situations, adding depth to character experiences.
  • Poets might use 'ravelled' to evoke imagery of nature's complexities, such as a ravelled vine or tangled thoughts.

Psychology

  • In psychology, feelings can be 'ravelled' when someone experiences mixed emotions or confusion about a situation.
  • Therapy often seeks to 'ravel' through these tangled feelings, helping individuals find clarity and understanding.
  • The concept of 'ravelled' thoughts can also apply to cognitive processes, where an overload of information creates confusion.

Art

  • Artists may depict 'ravelled' themes through abstract forms, showcasing the beauty in chaos and complexity.
  • The technique of raveling material, such as fabric or paper in mixed media art, can symbolize the intertwining of different ideas or narratives.
  • In sculpture, a ravelled design might represent the intricacies of human emotion and connection.

Everyday Life

  • In daily activities, 'ravelled' can describe a knot in shoelaces or a mess of headphones, illustrating common frustrations.
  • Individuals often use the term when speaking about life events that seem to be complicating or entangling their plans.
  • Ravelling yarn is a common problem in knitting or crafting communities, leading to discussions about techniques to avoid or fix tangles.

Origin of 'ravelled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'ravel' originates from Middle English, deriving from the word 'ravel' which meant to untangle.
  • In its early use, it referred to the process of becoming tangled, but it can also imply the opposite: to undo or untwist something.
  • As a result of its dual meaning, 'ravel' creates a linguistic playfulness that reflects confusion and clarity.

The word 'ravelled' originates from the Middle English word 'raven', which meant to ravel or tangle. The term evolved in the late 14th century, taking on both the literal meaning of tangling threads and a more abstract sense of complex situations. Over time, 'ravel' has been used in both a positive context to describe the joy of travel and exploration, and in a negative context to indicate confusion or complexity. By the 16th century, its usage expanded in literature and formal writing, linking it to narratives of human experiences and understandings of journeys, whether they be physical travels across lands or metaphorical journeys through life.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,836, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.