Langimage
English

unraveled

|un/rav/eled|

B2

/ʌnˈrævəld/

(unravel)

untangle or solve

Base FormPresent3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent Participle
unravelunravelingunravelsunraveledunraveledunraveling
Etymology
Etymology Information

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

Historical Evolution

'ravel' transformed into the modern English word 'unravel' by adding the prefix 'un-' to indicate the reversal of the action.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to tangle or entangle,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to untangle or solve.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to undo or untangle something that is twisted or knotted.

She unraveled the tangled yarn.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to solve or clarify something complex or mysterious.

The detective unraveled the mystery.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45