Ravelling: meaning, definitions and examples
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ravelling
[ ˈrævəlɪŋ ]
unraveling threads
Ravelling refers to the process of untangling or unwinding threads, cords, or fibers. This action can occur when a woven or knitted item starts to come apart, often due to wear and tear. In a broader sense, it may also describe the act of making something more complex or difficult to understand, analogous to the difficulty in putting back together something that has been unraveled. Ravelling can be both a physical and metaphorical term.
Synonyms
disentangling, unraveling, untangling
Examples of usage
- She noticed the ravelling hem of her skirt.
- The fisherman tried to fix the ravelling line of his fishing net.
- The story began ravelling into a complex narrative.
- He spent hours ravelling the old sweater to reuse the yarn.
Translations
Translations of the word "ravelling" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desfazendo
🇮🇳 सफ़र करना
🇩🇪 Entwirrung
🇮🇩 menggulung
🇺🇦 заплутування
🇵🇱 rozplątywanie
🇯🇵 絡まること
🇫🇷 démêlage
🇪🇸 desenredar
🇹🇷 çözme
🇰🇷 엉킴
🇸🇦 تفكيك
🇨🇿 rozplétání
🇸🇰 rozplétanie
🇨🇳 解开
🇸🇮 razpletanje
🇮🇸 að þræða
🇰🇿 шатыстыру
🇬🇪 გაისროლება
🇦🇿 çökmək
🇲🇽 desenredar
Word origin
The word 'ravelling' originates from the late 15th century, derived from the Middle English term 'ravelen,' which means to untwist or to loosen. The term is related to the Old Norse word 'rafla,' which conveys a sense of unfurling or spreading. As textile techniques evolved, 'ravelling' took on both a literal and figurative significance. In the context of textiles, it specifically describes the wear and tear involved when threads loosen from their tight knit. Over time, the usage of the term has expanded to include metaphorical applications, referring to situations that become complex or convoluted much like threads that separate and extend away from their original form.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #40,111, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.