Uncurl Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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uncurl

[ʌnˈkɜːl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

hair styling

To straighten out curled or twisted hair.

Synonyms

smooth out, straighten, untangle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
uncurl

This word is best used when something that is naturally or currently curled or coiled is being made straight. It often applies to the physical form of objects such as paper, hair, or the body.

  • She watched as the cat slowly uncurled after its nap
  • He tried to uncurl the edges of the old photograph
straighten

Use this when referring to making something align properly or removing bends and curves. It is often applied to posture, lines, or objects that are not in a straight form.

  • He straightened his tie before the meeting
  • She had to straighten the picture frame on the wall
smooth out

This phrase is best applied in situations where an object's surface has wrinkles, creases, or irregularities that need to be made smooth. It is often used for clothing, paper, and surface finishes.

  • She carefully smoothed out the wrinkles from her dress
  • He spent hours smoothing out the creases on the blueprint
untangle

This is used when referring to separating things that are mixed up, looped, or knotted together, typically strands or cables. It implies an intricate or messy situation being solved.

  • She worked to untangle the necklace chains
  • He untangled the fishing line from the tree branches

Examples of usage

  • Can you uncurl my hair before the party?
  • She uncurled her hair using a hair straightener.

Translations

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

Origin of 'uncurl'

The word 'uncurl' originated from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the word 'curl' which comes from the Old English word 'cyrlian' meaning 'to curl'. The concept of uncurling has been around for centuries, as people have been straightening out curled or twisted objects, including hair, for both practical and aesthetic reasons.


See also: curl, curled, curly.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,099, 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.