Unraveled: meaning, definitions and examples

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unraveled

 

[ ʌnˈræv.əld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

describing a situation

Unraveled refers to the process of something coming apart, being disentangled, or being solved. It can describe both physical objects, like threads in a piece of fabric, and metaphorical situations, where a complex problem or mystery becomes clearer. When you say something has unraveled, it often implies that it was once organized or cohesive but has since broken down or deteriorated. This term is frequently used in various contexts, from personal problems to scientific puzzles.

Synonyms

decoded, disentangled, resolved, solved, untangled

Examples of usage

  • After days of investigation, the mystery finally unraveled.
  • Her emotions unraveled as the truth came to light.
  • The knitting project unraveled when she dropped a stitch.
  • The government program unraveled due to lack of funding.

Translations

Translations of the word "unraveled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desfeito

🇮🇳 अनरवेल्ड

🇩🇪 entwirrt

🇮🇩 terurai

🇺🇦 розплутаний

🇵🇱 rozwikłany

🇯🇵 ほぐれた

🇫🇷 démêlé

🇪🇸 desenredado

🇹🇷 çözülmüş

🇰🇷 풀린

🇸🇦 مفكك

🇨🇿 rozpletený

🇸🇰 rozpletený

🇨🇳 解开的

🇸🇮 razvito

🇮🇸 afhjúpaður

🇰🇿 шешілген

🇬🇪 გახსნილი

🇦🇿 açılmış

🇲🇽 desenredado

Word origin

The word 'unraveled' originates from the prefix 'un-' which means 'not' or 'the opposite of', and 'ravel', which is derived from the Old English 'hræflian', meaning 'to tangle or entangle'. The use of 'unravel' in its modern sense began to appear in the English language around the 17th century, and it has evolved to reflect both the physical and metaphorical meanings. The transformation from 'ravel', which can also mean to tangle, indicates a paradox in its meaning, as the act of unraveling often implies a reversal of tangling processes. With time, 'unraveling' has become entrenched in everyday language to describe the process by which complex issues or structures are clarified or taken apart, leading to better understanding.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,780, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.