Finesentence logo

Unravel: meaning, definitions and examples

🧶
Add to dictionary

unravel

 

[ ˌʌnˈræv.əl ]

Verb / Noun
Context #1 | Verb

to untangle

To separate the threads of a twisted, knitted, or woven piece of fabric; to disentangle or sort out the threads of a rope or a knot. To clarify or solve (something complicated or puzzling). To unravel can also mean to undo or destroy the complexity or intricacy of something.

Synonyms

clarify, resolve, untangle, unwind

Examples of usage

  • He carefully unraveled the tangled yarn.
  • She unraveled the mystery and found the solution.
  • The detective unraveled the criminal's alibi.
  • I need to unravel this complicated situation before making a decision.
Context #2 | Noun

a tangled mess

A tangled or jumbled mass of something, especially thread, yarn, or hair. Can also refer to a complicated or confusing situation that is difficult to solve or understand.

Synonyms

confusion, knot, mess, tangle

Examples of usage

  • The unravel of wires behind the television was a nightmare.
  • The political situation in the country is an unravel that needs to be addressed.

Translations

Translations of the word "unravel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desvendar

🇮🇳 सुलझाना

🇩🇪 entwirren

🇮🇩 menguraikan

🇺🇦 розплутувати

🇵🇱 rozplątać

🇯🇵 解明する (kaimei suru)

🇫🇷 démêler

🇪🇸 desenredar

🇹🇷 çözmek

🇰🇷 풀다 (pulda)

🇸🇦 حل (ḥall)

🇨🇿 rozplést

🇸🇰 rozpliesť

🇨🇳 解开 (jiěkāi)

🇸🇮 razvozlati

🇮🇸 leysa upp

🇰🇿 шешу

🇬🇪 განსხვავება (ganskhvaveba)

🇦🇿 həll etmək

🇲🇽 desenredar

Etymology

The word 'unravel' originated from Middle English 'unravellen', from Old Dutch 'ravellen', which means 'to tangle'. Over time, the prefix 'un-' was added to indicate the reversal of the action, leading to the current meaning of 'to untangle or clarify'. The term has been used since the 14th century in English literature and has evolved to symbolize the process of disentangling complexities or solving mysteries.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,159, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.