Unlaced Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unlaced

[สŒnหˆleษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

shoe context

Unlaced refers to the action of removing or undoing the laces or strings from shoes or other items that are laced. This can suggest a state of relaxation or preparation for removing footwear.

Synonyms

loosened, unfastened, untied.

Examples of usage

  • He unlaced his shoes after a long day.
  • She unlaced her boots to feel more comfortable.
  • The child unlaced his sneakers before going to bed.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance context

When something is described as unlaced, it can imply that it is not laced or tied up, often used to describe a casual or disheveled appearance.

Synonyms

disheveled, loose, untied.

Examples of usage

  • He walked around with his shirt unlaced.
  • The unlaced dress gave her a relaxed appearance.
  • She preferred wearing unlaced shoes to feel free.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • Unlaced footwear became a symbol of casualness and relaxation; it's common to see people unlacing their shoes after a long day.
  • Historically, corsets were unlaced to allow freedom of movement and comfort, especially during the suffragette movement.

Sports

  • In sports, athletes often unlaced their shoes to improve comfort and adjust fit during game breaks.
  • The performance of certain activities, like basketball or running, can be enhanced by the choice to keep shoes unlaced for better breathability.

Literature

  • In various literary works, unlacing is often used as a metaphor for shedding constraints or revealing true selves.
  • Authors use the act of unlacing as a symbol of vulnerability and freedom, depicting characters who are ready to let go of societal norms.

Psychology

  • The act of unlacing can signal a transition from a formal environment to a relaxed one, reflecting a person's mental state.
  • People may find comfort in unlacing their shoes as a way to relieve stress after a busy day, contributing to mental well-being.

Origin of 'unlaced'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not' or 'opposite of,' while 'laced' comes from 'lace,' which means a cord or string.
  • The word 'lace' comes from the Latin 'laqueus,' which means 'noose' or 'snare,' reflecting the way it ties things together.

The term 'unlaced' is derived from the prefix 'un-' which indicates negation or reversal, combined with the word 'laced,' the past participle form of 'lace.' The word 'lace' itself comes from the Old French 'lac,' meaning a cord or string, which has roots in the Latin 'lacus' meaning a lake, in the sense of a source or liquid that flows. The connection can be understood as something that links or ties together. Over time, 'unlaced' began to be used both in a literal sense, describing the physical act of removing laces from shoes, and in a metaphorical sense, indicating a more relaxed or unfastened state. The usage of this term has been prevalent in colloquial English, often connoting comfort and informality.