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Unfastening Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unfastening

[สŒnหˆfษ‘หs(ษ™)nษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

clothing

To unfasten means to open or undo a fastening or attachment, such as a button, zipper, or buckle.

Synonyms

undo, unhook, unzip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unfastening

Usually used when talking about opening something that is secured, like a belt, seatbelt, or latch.

  • She was unfastening her seatbelt after the car stopped.
  • The teacher helped the child with unfastening his backpack.
undo

Commonly used in a general sense to reverse or remove an action, like untying, unbuttoning, or even in digital contexts to revert an action.

  • He started to undo the knots on the rope.
  • If you make a mistake, just press 'Ctrl+Z' to undo.
unhook

Typically used when something is attached to a hook or similar object, like a piece of clothing or a fish caught on a hook.

  • He unhooked his jacket from the coat rack.
  • After catching a fish, she carefully unhooked it and released it back into the water.
unzip

Specifically used when opening something that has a zipper, such as a bag, jacket, or pants.

  • She unzipped her suitcase to start packing.
  • He unzipped his jacket as he entered the warm room.

Examples of usage

  • The child unfastened his seatbelt.
  • She unfastened her necklace and placed it in the jewelry box.
  • He unfastened the buttons of his shirt before changing into pajamas.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To unfasten can also mean to release or loosen something that was secured or fixed in place.

Synonyms

detach, loosen, release.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unfastening

Used when talking about undoing something that was secured, such as a button, belt, or clasp.

  • She is unfastening her seatbelt
  • I heard the unfastening of the lock as he opened the door
release

Used when permitting something to be free or let go, often in emotional or physical contexts.

  • She released the bird from its cage
  • They decided to release the new software update next week
loosen

Commonly used for making something less tight or firm, often for things like screws, clothing, or grips.

  • He loosened his tie after a long day at work
  • Please loosen the screws a bit
detach

Appropriate for describing an object being removed from a larger structure or separating components that were meant to be connected.

  • He detached the trailer from the truck
  • The astronaut carefully detached the module from the spacecraft

Examples of usage

  • The worker unfastened the bolts to dismantle the equipment.
  • She unfastened her grip on the door handle and stepped back.
  • He unfastened the rope that was holding the tarpaulin in place.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the act of unfastening clothing can symbolize freedom, such as removing restraints or constraints after a long day.
  • The unfastening of a particular knot might have ceremonial importance in some traditions, signifying the start of a journey or new chapter.
  • In fashion, unfastening a piece of clothing can represent a shift from formal to informal settings, highlighting social transitions.

Psychology

  • The act of unfastening can serve as a metaphor for releasing tension, both physically and emotionally, which can contribute to stress relief.
  • Researchers have found that activities involving 'unfastening', like unlocking a door, can trigger feelings of liberation and relief.
  • Unfastening tasks can also enhance focus in certain settings, such as unbuttoning a shirt during relaxation time helping reduce mental load.

Literature

  • In storytelling, unfastening is often used as a device to signify trust or vulnerability, where characters reveal secrets or truths.
  • Many writers use the image of unfastening as a way to depict character transformations or emotional breakthroughs.
  • Famous literary works often employ unfastening as a climax, where characters shed their past to embrace a new identity.

Technology

  • In the tech world, the concept of unfastening can relate to software, as users 'unfasten' files or settings to customize their experience.
  • As technology evolves, even hardware components are designed with 'unfastening' in mind, promoting easy disassembly for upgrades or repairs.
  • In terms of internet security, 'unfastening' can be likened to breaking encryption or accessing restricted data, showcasing a more metaphorical use of the term.

Origin of 'unfastening'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not' or 'opposite of', while 'fasten' comes from the Old English 'fรฆstian', meaning to make firm or secure.
  • The word evolved in Middle English to include various meanings related to tying or securing, which gives context to its use today.
  • Over time, the term has expanded to encompass not just physical actions but also figurative uses, like unfastening an idea.

The word 'unfasten' is a combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the verb 'fasten' which comes from Old English 'fรฆstnian' meaning 'to make fast'. The term has been in use since the late 16th century.

See also: fastened, fastener, fasteners, fastening, fastenings, unfasten.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,816, 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.