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- Dictionaryunravel/ʌnˈravl/
verb
- 1. undo (twisted, knitted, or woven threads). Similar Opposite
- 2. investigate and solve or explain (something complicated or puzzling): "they were attempting to unravel the cause of death" Similar Opposite
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If you unravel a mysterious, unknown, or complicated subject, you make it known or understood, and if it unravels, it becomes known or understood: We have a long way to go before we unravel the secrets of genetics .
1. a. : to disengage or separate the threads of : disentangle. b. : to cause to come apart by or as if by separating the threads of. 2. : to resolve the intricacy, complexity, or obscurity of : clear up. unravel a mystery. intransitive verb. : to become unraveled. Synonyms. disentangle. ravel (out) unbraid. unlay. unsnarl. untangle. untwine.
Something that's unraveled has been completely undone, whether it's a spool of thread, some knotty shoelaces, or your mental state after a long and frustrating day. You can also unravel a mystery by picking it apart, untangling the details or just following the trail of clues like a line of string.
to separate or disentangle the threads of (a woven or knitted fabric, a rope, etc.). to free from complication or difficulty; make plain or clear; solve: to unravel a situation; to unravel a mystery. Informal. to take apart; undo; destroy (a plan, agreement, or arrangement).
unravel verb (SUBJECT) [ I or T ] If you unravel a mysterious, unknown, or complicated subject, you make it known or understood, and if it unravels, it becomes known or understood: We have a long way to go before we unravel the secrets of genetics. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.
If you unravel something that is knotted, woven, or knitted, or if it unravels, it becomes one straight piece again or separates into its different threads. He could unravel a knot that others wouldn't even attempt.
1. (Knitting & Sewing) ( tr) to reduce (something knitted or woven) to separate strands. 2. ( tr) to undo or untangle (something tangled or knotted) 3. ( tr) to explain or solve: the mystery was unravelled. 4. ( intr) to become unravelled. unˈraveller n. unˈravelment n.
[transitive, intransitive] unravel (something) to explain something that is difficult to understand or is mysterious; to become clearer or easier to understand The discovery will help scientists unravel the mystery of the Ice Age.
[transitive, intransitive] unravel (something) to explain something that is difficult to understand or is mysterious; to become clearer or easier to understand The discovery will help scientists unravel the mystery of the Ice Age. See unravel in the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Check pronunciation: unravel.
UNRAVEL definition: 1. If you unravel a difficult situation or story, or if it unravels, it becomes clear and easier to…. Learn more.
