Unravel

Pronunciation: /ʌnˈrævəl/

Definitions of unravel

verb to undo or separate the threads of something, to solve or explain something complex or mysterious

Example Sentences

A1 I tried to unravel the tangled mess of wires.

A2 The detective worked tirelessly to unravel the mystery.

B1 It took me hours to unravel the complex instructions for assembling the furniture.

B2 The scientist's research helped to unravel the secrets of the ancient civilization.

C1 The journalist worked diligently to unravel the corruption scandal.

C2 The historian's groundbreaking research helped to unravel the true origins of the artifact.

Examples of unravel in a Sentence

formal The detective worked tirelessly to unravel the mystery surrounding the case.

informal I can't wait to unravel the surprise gift you got me!

slang Let's unravel the plan and see what we can come up with.

figurative As time passed, the truth began to unravel before his eyes.

Grammatical Forms of unravel

• past tense: unraveled
• plural: unravels
• comparative: more unraveling
• superlative: most unraveling
• present tense: unravel
• future tense: will unravel
• perfect tense: have unraveled
• continuous tense: is unraveling
• singular: unravel
• positive degree: unraveling
• infinitive: to unravel
• gerund: unraveling
• participle: unraveled

Origin and Evolution of unravel

First Known Use: 1603 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The word 'unravel' originated from the Middle English word 'unravellen' which was derived from the Old French word 'reveler' meaning 'to unravel'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'unravel' has retained its original meaning of 'to separate the threads of a woven or knitted fabric' but has also evolved to encompass a broader sense of 'to solve or explain something complicated or mysterious'.