untie
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ʌnˈtaɪ/
KK: /ʌnˈtaɪ/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become loose or free from being tied.
Example
The knot began to untie after being pulled.
Tense Forms
Past: untied
Past Participle: untied
Conversation
Did you see the way my shoelaces just untie themselves when I was running?
Yeah, that happens to me all the time!
It's so annoying, especially when I have to stop to tie them again.
I know! Maybe we should get some shoelaces that don’t come undone.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
loosen
release
unfasten
Antonyms
tie
bind
fasten
transitive verb
Definition
To remove a knot or something that is tied, making it loose or free.
Example
She decided to untie the ribbon from the gift box.
Tense Forms
Past: untied
Past Participle: untied
Conversation
Can you help me untie this knot on my shoelace?
Sure! It looks pretty tricky, but I can give it a try.
Thanks! I always struggle to untie knots when I'm in a hurry.
Root Explanation
Untie → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "tie" (from Old English "tīgan", meaning to fasten or bind). The word "untie" means to reverse the action of tying, or to loosen something that is bound.
Memory Tip
Think of 'un-' meaning not or the opposite, and 'tie' meaning to bind. So, when you untie something, you are doing the opposite of binding it.
Visually Confused Words
auntie
unie
untwine
untrite
untripe
untried
unitize
unitive