Definition

The process of coming apart or being untangled, often used to describe a situation that is becoming clearer or more complicated.

Example

The unravelling of the mystery kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

Conversation

Have you noticed the unravelling of our old friendship lately?

Yeah, it's been hard to see us drift apart.

I think we should talk about what’s causing this unravelling.

I agree, it could help us understand each other better.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To separate or untangle something that is twisted or knotted, often used in a figurative sense to mean solving a complex problem or mystery.

Example

The detective is unravelling the clues to solve the case.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I spent all night unravelling that mystery novel.

How was it? Did you figure it out?

Yeah, it was exciting to see all the clues unravelling together at the end.

Root Explanation

Unravelling → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "ravel" (from Middle English *ravelen*, meaning to tangle or entangle) with the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process). The word "unravelling" means the process of undoing or untangling something that is tangled or complicated.

Memory Tip

Think of 'un-' meaning not or opposite, and 'ravel' meaning to tangle. So, unravelling is the action of taking something that is tangled and making it not tangled.

Visually Confused Words