Unspooled: meaning, definitions and examples

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unspooled

 

[ ʌnˈspuːld ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

film, tape

To unspool means to unwind or release something that has been wound up, such as film or tape. This process typically involves allowing the material to extend freely, often leading to its total or partial exposure.

Synonyms

release, unroll, unwind

Examples of usage

  • He unspooled the film reel carefully.
  • The technician unspooled the old tape from the device.
  • She watched as the ribbon unspooled from the gift.
  • They unspooled the cable to set up the projector.
Context #2 | Verb

narrative, story

Unspooled can also refer to the act of revealing or unfolding a narrative or story in a gradual manner. It indicates an unfolding of events or information as if unwinding a tightly wound string.

Synonyms

expand, reveal, unfold

Examples of usage

  • The plot slowly unspooled as the episode progressed.
  • He began to unspool his tale of adventure.
  • The mystery unspooled layer by layer.
  • As the story unspooled, the audience became captivated.

Translations

Translations of the word "unspooled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desenrolado

🇮🇳 अनप्लग

🇩🇪 abgerollt

🇮🇩 dilepaskan

🇺🇦 розмотаний

🇵🇱 odwinięty

🇯🇵 巻き戻された

🇫🇷 déroulé

🇪🇸 desenrollado

🇹🇷 açılmış

🇰🇷 풀려진

🇸🇦 غير مشدود

🇨🇿 odvinutý

🇸🇰 odvinutý

🇨🇳 解开的

🇸🇮 odviti

🇮🇸 afhjúpuð

🇰🇿 ашылған

🇬🇪 გახსნილი

🇦🇿 açılmış

🇲🇽 desenrollado

Word origin

The word 'unspooled' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'to reverse the action of,' combined with 'spool,' which has roots in Middle English and Old French. The term 'spool' itself is derived from 'spole,' meaning a cylindrical object that holds thread or wire. The concept of unspooling describes a physical action that has been applied metaphorically to various contexts, including film and narratives. In modern usage, it gained popularity alongside the rise of filmmaking and audio recording technologies, as materials such as film and magnetic tape became prevalent in the 20th century. As technology evolved, the word also transitioned into colloquial use, especially in the context of storytelling, where it metaphorically describes the revelation of complex ideas or plots.