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Unravelling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿงฉ
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unravelling

[สŒnหˆrรฆvษ™lษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

solving problems

Unravelling refers to the process of investigating and clarifying complex issues or problems. It can involve taking apart something that is tangled or convoluted, both literally and figuratively, to better understand its components.

Synonyms

clarifying, deciphering, resolving, untangling.

Examples of usage

  • The detective is unraveling the mystery behind the crime.
  • She spent months unravelling the complex equations.
  • Unravelling the plot of the novel took considerable time.
Context #2 | Verb

textiles

In a more literal sense, unravelling refers to the act of undoing or separating the threads of a woven material. This can happen accidentally or as a deliberate action for repairs or creative projects.

Synonyms

disentangling, loosening, untying.

Examples of usage

  • The child began unravelling the yarn from the skein.
  • After washing, the fabric started unravelling at the seams.
  • She enjoys unravelling old sweaters to reuse the wool.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Humans often use 'unravelling' as a metaphor for problem-solving, illustrating how thoughts can become tangled.
  • In cognitive science, people view the process of 'unravelling thoughts' as crucial for mental clarity and decision-making.

Literature

  • In mysteries and thrillers, 'unravelling' often refers to the moment when secrets are exposed, enhancing dramatic tension.
  • Classic novels often feature protagonists 'unravelling' personal conflicts, symbolizing character growth and resolution.

Art

  • Many artists use the theme of 'unravelling' to explore identity, as seen in works that depict physical or metaphorical layers being peeled away.
  • In performance art, the act of 'unravelling' can symbolize emotional release or the process of revealing hidden truths.

Science

  • In biology, 'unravelling' describes processes like DNA unwinding during replication, crucial for genetic reproduction.
  • Unravelling in physics can refer to unraveling complex systems in chaos theory, helping scientists understand unpredictable environments.

Origin of 'unravelling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'unravelian', which means to 'loosen' or 'untie'.
  • It has roots in Middle English, where 'ravel' meant to entangle, and adding 'un-' reversed that meaning.

The term 'unravelling' comes from the verb 'to unravel', which combines the prefix 'un-', indicating reversal, and 'ravel', which originally meant to tangle. 'Ravel' derives from the Middle English 'ravel(en)', which has its roots in Old Norse 'rรถfla', meaning 'to loosen or separate'. Unravelling suggests both the physical act of separating intertwining threads and the abstract process of clarifying complex ideas. Over time, it has broadened to include solving puzzles, mysteries, or intricate problems in various contexts, reflecting both its literal and metaphorical uses in the English language.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,708, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.