Definition

To become untangled or come apart into smaller parts.

Example

The old sweater began to ravel after many washes.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I was trying to fix my old sweater, but the yarn started to ravel everywhere.

Oh no! That must have been so frustrating.

Yeah, I didn't expect it to ravel like that when I pulled on it.

Next time, maybe try a gentler approach to avoid the mess.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A tangle or a mess, often referring to threads or fibers that are twisted together.

Example

The ravel of yarn made it difficult to knit the sweater.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a ravel like this in your knitting project?

Oh wow, that's quite a tangle!

Yeah, I need to figure out how to fix this ravel.

Definition

To separate or untangle something, especially threads or fibers, or to make something more complicated.

Example

She tried to ravel the tangled yarn into a neat ball.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I really need to ravel this mess of wires before the presentation.

Yeah, it looks pretty tangled!

I just don't know how to ravel them without making it worse.

Root Explanation

Ravel → It originates from the Middle English 'ravel', which is derived from the Old French 'raveler', meaning to tangle or to unravel. The word describes the action of tangling or becoming entangled.

Memory Tip

Think of the Old French word 'raveler', which means to tangle — this helps you remember that 'ravel' refers to the act of tangling or becoming entangled.

Visually Confused Words