Unclip: meaning, definitions and examples
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unclip
[ ʌnˈklɪp ]
removal of clips
To unclip means to release or detach something that is held together by a clip. It commonly refers to taking off a clip from an item, such as paper or a piece of clothing. The action allows for the separation or reopening of what was previously secured. This term is often used in various contexts, including fashion, office supplies, and other scenarios where clips are employed.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Please unclip the papers before handing them to me.
- She decided to unclip her hair to let it down.
- I need to unclip the strap before taking off my bag.
Word origin
The word 'unclip' is derived from the prefix 'un-' combined with the noun 'clip.' The prefix 'un-' comes from Old English, meaning 'not' or 'the opposite of,' indicating a reversal of the action represented by the root word. The term 'clip' has its origins in the late Middle English period, stemming from the Old English word 'clyppian,' which meant 'to seize or grasp.' In modern usage, 'clip' refers to various fasteners, particularly those that hold papers together, like paper clips, or those used in fashion accessories. The combination of these two components, therefore, creates a term that specifically refers to the act of reversing the fastening or securing nature of a clip, primarily expressing the action of loosening or removing the clip.