Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Unravelling: meaning, definitions and examples

🧩
Add to dictionary

unravelling

 

[ʌnˈrævəlɪŋ ]

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

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

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.