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Unravelling: meaning, definitions and examples

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unravelling

 

[ ʌnˈrævəlɪŋ ]

Verb
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

Translations of the word "unravelling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desvendando

🇮🇳 अनरवेलिंग

🇩🇪 Entwirrung

🇮🇩 menguraikan

🇺🇦 розгортання

🇵🇱 rozwiązywanie

🇯🇵 解明

🇫🇷 dévoilement

🇪🇸 desenredo

🇹🇷 açığa çıkarma

🇰🇷 풀기

🇸🇦 كشوف

🇨🇿 rozplétání

🇸🇰 rozplietanie

🇨🇳 解开

🇸🇮 razpletanje

🇮🇸 afhjúpun

🇰🇿 ашу

🇬🇪 გადახდა

🇦🇿 açma

🇲🇽 desenredo

Etymology

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 'röfla', 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.