Definition

To take off or loosen the laces of something, like shoes or clothing.

Example

She decided to unlace her shoes after a long day of walking.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I think I need to unlace my shoes; they are too tight.

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. Comfortable shoes are so important.

I always forget how much better they feel once I unlace them properly.

Totally! It's amazing what a little adjustment can do.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unlace → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or to reverse) and "lace" (from Old French *lacier*, meaning to fasten or tie). The word "unlace" means to reverse the action of fastening or tying something, specifically by loosening laces.

Memory Tip

Think of 'un-' meaning to reverse and 'lace' meaning to tie. So, unlace means to reverse the tying action.

Visually Confused Words