Wrangle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔄
Add to dictionary

wrangle

[ˈræŋɡl ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

data manipulation

To wrangle means to manipulate or organize data in order to make it more useful or understandable. This term is often used in data science and analysis when discussing the process of cleaning and transforming raw data into a structured format. Wrangling can involve tasks such as removing outliers, converting data types, or merging datasets. It is an essential step in preparing data for analysis or visualization, ensuring that the information is accurate and relevant to the questions being asked.

Synonyms

handle, manipulate, organize, transform.

Examples of usage

  • I spent the whole day to wrangle the messy dataset.
  • Data scientists often wrangle large amounts of information before analysis.
  • The first step was to wrangle the survey responses into a clean format.
  • Before we can analyze the results, we need to wrangle the data correctly.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In various films, characters often find themselves wrangling over resources or decisions, adding drama to the storyline.
  • The phrase 'wrangling with the law' appears in many detective stories, suggesting legal battles.
  • Reality TV shows often feature contestants wrangling over challenges, creating memorable conflicts.

Science

  • Animal wrangling is a real practice in veterinary science where professionals handle and secure animals for health checks.
  • Wrangling data is common in data science, where analysts organize and clean data sets for better analysis.
  • In environmental science, wrangling is used to describe the process of managing teams to address complex ecological issues.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often engage in wrangling dialogues, showcasing their conflicting desires and motivations.
  • Newspaper articles and essays may use wrangling to discuss political debates where different opinions clash.
  • Poets sometimes use the idea of wrangling in their works to symbolize inner turmoil or societal struggles.

Psychology

  • People often wrangle with their thoughts, particularly when faced with difficult decisions or emotions.
  • Conflict resolution strategies frequently arise from understanding how people wrangle in personal and professional relationships.
  • Groups often experience 'group wrangling' when members argue over the direction of a project.

Origin of 'wrangle'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English word 'wranglen', which means to quarrel or struggle.
  • Rooted in the Old Norse word 'wrangla', it originally referred to having a dispute or a noisy argument.
  • The meaning has evolved over time to include managing complex situations, not just fighting.

The word 'wrangle' originated from the Middle English term 'wrengen' which meant to twist or bend. It can be traced back to the Old English word 'wringan' which conveyed the idea of twisting or turning something, also related to the Old Norse 'hringa' meaning to ring or to encircle. Over the centuries, the term evolved to also include connotations of arguing or dispute, reflecting its usage in contexts where people might wrangle over opinions or disagreements. In contemporary language, particularly in technical fields like data science, wrangle has taken on a more specialized meaning, focusing on the processes of sorting and organizing data. The evolution of this word highlights the dynamic nature of language and how words can shift in meaning and usage over time, adapting to new contexts and practices.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,104, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.