unclenched
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ʌnˈklɛnʧt/
KK: /ʌnˈklɛnʧt/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that is not tightly held or closed, often referring to a relaxed or open state.
Example
After a long day, she felt her jaw unclenched as she relaxed on the couch.
Conversation
After that long meeting, I finally feel my hands are unclenched.
That's great! Tension can really build up during those things.
Yeah, it feels nice to relax and just breathe.
For sure! You should treat yourself to something fun now.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
relaxed
loose
open
Antonyms
clenched
tight
tense
verb
Definition
To release or open something that was tightly held or clenched.
Example
She unclenched her fists when she realized she was safe.
Tense Forms
Past: unclenched
Past Participle: unclenched
Conversation
I finally unclenched my fists after the meeting.
That's good to hear! Meetings can be so stressful sometimes.
Yeah, I didn't realize how tense I was until I relaxed.
Root Explanation
Unclenched → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not) and "clench" (from Old English "clyncan", meaning to grasp or grip) and the suffix "-ed" (indicating a past action). The word "unclenched" means not grasped or released from a grip.
Memory Tip
Think of 'not' ('un-') holding something tightly ('clench') — that's why unclenched means something that is not held tightly.
Visually Confused Words
unblenched
unleached
unwrenched
untrenched
unsilenced
unscienced
unquenched
unpleached