ravel — to untangle or separate the threads of fabric; to become confused or complicated
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to untangle or separate the threads of fabric; to become confused or complicated
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈrævəl/
Example Sentences
- The detective tried to ravel the complicated case, but ended up more confused than a cat in a yarn store.
- My grandmother can ravel any knitting problem in minutes.
- The cheap sweater started to ravel after just one wash, making me look like a walking scarecrow.
ravel
VERB[/ˈrævəl/]
to untangle or separate the threads of fabric; to become confused or complicated
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Dutch 'ravelen' meaning to tangle or entangle, related to the verb 'ravel' which entered English in the 16th century. The word's opposite meaning (to untangle) developed through semantic shift, possibly influenced by folk etymology or reanalysis.
Breakdown
ravel (base verb from Dutch ravelen) + -ed/-ing (verb forms). No clear internal morpheme breakdown as it is a simple root word borrowed from Dutch.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The detective tried to ravel the complicated case, but ended up more confused than a cat in a yarn store.”
“My grandmother can ravel any knitting problem in minutes.”
“The cheap sweater started to ravel after just one wash, making me look like a walking scarecrow.”
“Scientists are trying to ravel the secrets of DNA.”
📚Related Words
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