unravel — to separate the threads of a woven or knitted fabric; to investigate and solve or explain something complicated
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to separate the threads of a woven or knitted fabric; to investigate and solve or explain something complicated
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnˈrævəl/
Example Sentences
- My sweater started to unravel after I got it caught on a door handle.
- The student's excuse began to unravel when the teacher found his homework in the trash.
- Scientists are trying to unravel the secrets of the human brain.
unravel
VERB[/ʌnˈrævəl/]
to separate the threads of a woven or knitted fabric; to investigate and solve or explain something complicated
Solving a complicated mystery case
Detective UN unravels the threads to solve mysteries!
On gravel roads of travel, mysteries unravel
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the prefix 'un-' (meaning to reverse or undo) combined with the verb 'ravel,' which comes from Dutch 'ravelen' meaning to tangle or twist. The word emerged in English in the late 16th century.
Breakdown
un- (reverse/undo) + ravel (to tangle, from Dutch ravelen) = unravel (to untangle or solve)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My sweater started to unravel after I got it caught on a door handle.”
“The student's excuse began to unravel when the teacher found his homework in the trash.”
“Scientists are trying to unravel the secrets of the human brain.”
“His alibi started to unravel faster than a cheap Christmas sweater.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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