Unraveling: meaning, definitions and examples
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unraveling
[ ʌnˈrævəlɪŋ ]
problem solving
Unraveling refers to the process of untangling or revealing something that is complex or confusing. It is commonly used in the context of solving mysteries or problems, where one methodically works through a situation to understand its components. The term can also be applied to relationships, ideas, or situations that appear chaotic or difficult to comprehend. When one unravels a situation, they often expose the underlying truth or clarity that was previously obscured.
Synonyms
clarify, decode, explain, untangle
Examples of usage
- The detective is unraveling the mystery of the missing necklace.
- The scientist spent years unraveling the complexities of the human genome.
- They are unraveling the tangled threads of their relationship.
- As I read the novel, I found myself unraveling the plot twist.
- After hours of work, he finally started unraveling the technical problem.
Translations
Translations of the word "unraveling" in other languages:
🇵🇹 desenrolar
🇮🇳 अनरवलिंग
🇩🇪 Entwirrung
🇮🇩 mengurai
🇺🇦 розгортання
🇵🇱 rozplątywanie
🇯🇵 解明
🇫🇷 dévoilement
🇪🇸 desenredo
🇹🇷 açığa çıkarma
🇰🇷 풀기
🇸🇦 كشف
🇨🇿 rozplétání
🇸🇰 rozplétanie
🇨🇳 解开
🇸🇮 razpletanje
🇮🇸 afhjúpun
🇰🇿 ашу
🇬🇪 გახსნა
🇦🇿 açma
🇲🇽 desenredo
Etymology
The word 'unravel' originates from the Middle English term 'unraven', which is a compound of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'ravel', meaning 'to tangle or entangle'. The use of 'ravel' can be traced back to Old French 'ravailler', which means 'to tangle' or 'to entangle'. Over time, 'unravel' evolved to denote the action of undoing such tangles, thereby also taking on the metaphorical sense of clarifying or solving complicated issues. This progression highlights language's capacity to adapt words based on evolving societal contexts, allowing 'unravel' to encapsulate both literal and figurative meanings. Initially associated with physical tangles, it has become widely used to describe the enlightening process in various academic and personal realms, symbolizing resolution and understanding.