unravel
unravel Lexical Profile
unravel Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To begin to fail, disintegrate, or collapse (especially of a system, plan, or person's composure).
"The trade agreement quickly began to unravel after both parties disagreed on the tariff terms."
To undo or become undone by separating twisted, knitted, or woven threads.
"The old wool sweater began to unravel at the cuffs after years of regular wear."
To investigate and solve or explain something complicated, obscure, or mysterious.
"Researchers are working to unravel the complex genetic causes of the rare condition."
Word Nuance & Usage
Both "ravel" and "unravel" can mean to untangle threads or to come apart, making them an unusual pair of words where adding the prefix "un-" intensifies rather than reverses the primary meaning; however, "ravel" can also occasionally mean to tangle.
• Rhymes for unravel
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the early 17th century from the prefix "un-" and "ravel," which was borrowed from Dutch "rafelen," meaning to fray or untangle.