Langimage
English

unpick

|un/pick|

B2

/ʌnˈpɪk/

reverse action of picking

Etymology
Etymology Information

'unpick' originates from Middle English, specifically the prefix 'un-' meaning 'reverse action' and the verb 'pick' meaning 'to pull apart or remove'.

Historical Evolution

'unpick' evolved from the Middle English word 'unpicke', which combined 'un-' and 'picke', eventually becoming the modern English word 'unpick'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to remove stitches', but over time it evolved to also mean 'to analyze or examine in detail'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to carefully remove stitches from a piece of fabric.

She had to unpick the seam to adjust the fit of the dress.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to analyze or examine something in detail to understand it better.

The detective unpicked the clues to solve the mystery.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:41