Unbuttoning: meaning, definitions and examples

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unbuttoning

 

[ ʌnˈbʌtənɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

clothing action

Unbuttoning refers to the action of releasing or removing buttons from their buttonholes on clothing or other fastened items. This can be done for various reasons, including dressing, undressing, or adjusting clothing for comfort. The term is often used in contexts involving shirts, coats, or trousers.

Synonyms

loosen, unfasten, untie

Examples of usage

  • She was unbuttoning her shirt after a long day.
  • He started unbuttoning his coat as he entered the warm room.
  • The child struggled with unbuttoning his jeans.
  • Before getting into bed, she began unbuttoning her nightgown.

Translations

Translations of the word "unbuttoning" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desabotoar

🇮🇳 बटन खोलना

🇩🇪 aufknöpfen

🇮🇩 membuka kancing

🇺🇦 розстібання

🇵🇱 rozpięcie

🇯🇵 ボタンを外す

🇫🇷 déboutonner

🇪🇸 desabotonar

🇹🇷 düğme açma

🇰🇷 단추를 풀다

🇸🇦 فتح الزر

🇨🇿 rozepínání

🇸🇰 rozopínanie

🇨🇳 解开扣子

🇸🇮 odpeti gumb

🇮🇸 opna hnapp

🇰🇿 батырды ашу

🇬🇪 ბატონის გახსნა

🇦🇿 düyməni açmaq

🇲🇽 desabotonar

Etymology

The word 'unbuttoning' is formed by the prefix 'un-', which means to reverse an action, and the noun 'button', which originates from the Old French word 'boton', meaning 'a small knob or stud'. The use of buttons as fasteners dates back to ancient times, with evidence of button-like objects found in archaeological sites dating back to the Indus Valley civilization. Buttons evolved from simple fasteners to decorative elements in fashion, particularly during the Middle Ages. The verb 'to button' has been in use since the 14th century, and the action of unbuttoning has become associated with various cultural connotations, such as undressing or preparing for relaxation. The advent of modern clothing styles in the 19th and 20th centuries solidified the role of buttons in everyday wear, with unbuttoning becoming a common action in various social and personal contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,801 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.