dishevelled
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /dɪˈʃɛv.əld/
KK: /dɪˈʃɛv.əld/
adjective
Definition
Not neat or tidy in appearance, especially referring to hair or clothing that is messy or unkempt.
Example
After the long journey, she looked dishevelled and tired.
Conversation
Hey, why do you look so dishevelled today?
I just woke up and didn’t have time to fix my hair.
It’s okay, we all have those days where we feel a bit dishevelled.
True! At least I’m not going anywhere important today.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
untidy
messy
rumpled
Antonyms
neat
tidy
orderly
verb
Definition
To make something untidy or messy, especially hair or clothing.
Example
The wind dishevelled her hair as she walked outside.
Tense Forms
Past: dishevelled
Past Participle: dishevelled
Conversation
You look a bit dishevelled today, did you just wake up?
Yeah, I overslept and didn’t have time to fix my hair.
I can tell! A quick shower might help you look more put together.
Root Explanation
Dishevelled → It is formed from the prefix 'dis-' (meaning apart or away) and the root 'chevel' (from Old French *chevel*, meaning hair). The word describes hair that is in a state of disarray or untidiness, as if it has been taken apart or disturbed.
Memory Tip
Think of hair that is 'taken apart' or 'messed up' — 'dis-' means apart, and 'chevel' refers to hair. This helps you remember that 'dishevelled' means having messy or untidy hair.
Visually Confused Words
undisheveled
sheveled