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Untie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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untie

[ʌnˈtaɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

loosen

To unfasten or release a knot, tie, or fastening.

Synonyms

loosen, undo, unfasten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
untie

Use 'untie' when referring to freeing or releasing something tied with knots, such as shoelaces, ropes, or strings.

  • I need to untie my shoes before entering the house.
  • The sailor untied the knots to free the boat.
undo

Use 'undo' when referring to reversing an action or restoring something to its original state. It can apply to various contexts, like buttons, mistakes, or actions.

  • I accidentally sent the email, and now I can't undo it.
  • Can you undo the button on your jacket?
unfasten

Use 'unfasten' when referring to opening or releasing something that is fastened, such as belts, seatbelts, or clips.

  • Please unfasten your seatbelt before getting out of the car.
  • She needed to unfasten her backpack to find her notebook.
loosen

Use 'loosen' when referring to making something less tight or less firmly fixed. It can apply to various situations, like adjusting screws, clothes, or controls.

  • Please loosen the screw a bit so we can adjust the shelf.
  • After a long day, I like to loosen my tie.

Examples of usage

  • Could you please untie this knot for me?
  • She untied the rope from the tree.
Context #2 | Verb

free

To set free from a constraint or restriction.

Synonyms

free, liberate, release.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
untie

Used when talking about physically untying knots, ropes, or something that has been tied.

  • Rachel asked Tom to untie the knots in her shoelaces.
  • He had to untie the ropes around the package before opening it.
release

Used when letting someone or something go from a confinement or restraint; can be used in formal and informal contexts.

  • The company decided to release the new product next month.
  • After many months in captivity, the hostages were finally released.
liberate

Typically used in more formal or serious contexts, such as freeing someone from social, political, or mental oppression; it often implies a significant or heroic effort.

  • The soldiers were able to liberate the town from enemy control.
  • The therapy sessions helped to liberate her from deep-seated fears.
free

Used in a broad sense of making someone or something not restrained; often used when talking about freedom from constraints, obligations, or captivity.

  • The activist's speech aimed to inspire people to fight for their rights and free themselves from oppression.
  • He worked hard to free his mind from negative thoughts.

Examples of usage

  • The hero untied the hostages from their ropes.
  • She untied herself from the oppressive relationship.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In fairy tales, characters often need to 'untie' themselves from ropes to escape captivity, symbolizing freedom.
  • 'Untie' appears in various poems to evoke feelings of release and liberation from constraints.
  • Classic stories often use the act of untying as a moment of tension followed by relief when a character is freed.

Psychology

  • The act of untying can be metaphorical for letting go of emotional bonds or attachments.
  • Untying can symbolize the process of solving problems, like undoing a complicated knot that represents mental challenges.
  • Studies suggest that the act of physically untying can help alleviate stress, symbolizing the release of tension.

Pop Culture

  • 'Untie' is often featured in magic tricks where a performer appears to be tied up, only to escape moments later.
  • In movies, untying a character from a dangerous situation is a common plot device that leads to thrilling moments.
  • Songs often use the metaphor of untying hearts or emotions, suggesting the release of love or relationships.

Education

  • Kids learn about 'tying' and 'untying' in practical life skills classes, such as learning to tie shoelaces.
  • In art classes, untying is often used to describe removing restrictions on creativity and innovation.
  • Teachers may encourage students to 'untie' their imaginations for more creative thoughts and ideas.

Origin of 'untie'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'untie' comes from the Old English 'untygan', meaning to take off or unfasten.
  • It is formed by adding the prefix 'un-' which means 'not' or 'opposite of' to the word 'tie'.
  • This word has been used in various forms since at least the 14th century.

The word 'untie' originated from the combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the verb 'tie'. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the action of releasing a knot or constraint.

See also: tie, tiebreaker, tier, ties, tying.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,087, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.