Langimage
English

unravel

|un-rav-el|

B2

/ʌnˈrævəl/

untangle or solve

Etymology
Etymology Information

'unravel' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'unravelen,' where 'un-' meant 'reverse' and 'ravel' meant 'to tangle.'

Historical Evolution

'unravelen' transformed into the modern English word 'unravel.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to untangle something,' but over time it evolved to include solving complex problems.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to undo or untangle something that is twisted or woven.

She began to unravel the tangled threads.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to solve or explain something that is complex or mysterious.

The detective managed to unravel the mystery.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40