Untangling: meaning, definitions and examples

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untangling

 

[ ʌnˈtæŋɡlɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

removing tangles

Untangling refers to the process of removing knots or twists from a tangled object, making it more organized or easier to manage. This term is commonly used in relation to cords, ropes, hair, or other materials that tend to become intertwined. The act of untangling often requires patience and careful effort to ensure that the object is not damaged in the process. It can also metaphorically apply to resolving complex situations or problems.

Synonyms

disentangling, resolving, unraveling

Examples of usage

  • She spent hours untangling the ropes from the fishing net.
  • He managed to untangle the complicated math problem with ease.
  • After the storm, we worked on untangling the fallen branches.
  • I took a moment to untangle my thoughts before starting the conversation.

Translations

Translations of the word "untangling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desembaraçar

🇮🇳 खोलना

🇩🇪 entwirren

🇮🇩 mengurai

🇺🇦 розплутування

🇵🇱 rozplątywanie

🇯🇵 絡まりを解く

🇫🇷 démêlage

🇪🇸 desenredar

🇹🇷 açma

🇰🇷 엉킨 것을 풀다

🇸🇦 فك الارتباك

🇨🇿 rozplétání

🇸🇰 rozplétanie

🇨🇳 解开

🇸🇮 razvozlavljenje

🇮🇸 afflétta

🇰🇿 ашу

🇬🇪 გაკეცილი

🇦🇿 sarıldanma

🇲🇽 desenredar

Etymology

The word 'untangling' is derived from the prefix 'un-', which means 'not' or 'the opposite of', and the root word 'tangle', which originates from the Old English word 'tangol', meaning 'to intertwine or twist together'. The concept of tangling dates back to ancient times when various materials, such as ropes and fibers, were used in everyday life. As society evolved, so did the metaphorical applications of 'tangle', leading to its use in personal and intellectual contexts. The verb form 'untangle' began to appear in literature and communication as a way to describe the act of separating intertwined elements, both physical and abstract. The process of untangling has been an essential part of human activity, symbolizing clarity, resolution, and organization.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,731, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.