untwine
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ʌnˈtwaɪn/
KK: /ʌnˈtwaɪn/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become separated or unwound from being twisted together.
Example
The vines began to untwine from the trellis as the storm approached.
Tense Forms
Past: untwined
Past Participle: untwined
Conversation
Did you see how the vines untwine from the fence?
Yeah, it’s interesting to watch them separate like that.
I wonder if they’ll grow back together eventually.
Maybe, but for now, they seem to prefer being free.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unravel
untangle
disentangle
Antonyms
twine
entangle
knot
transitive verb
Definition
To separate or remove something that is twisted or tangled together.
Example
She had to untwine the knots in the rope before using it.
Tense Forms
Past: untwined
Past Participle: untwined
Conversation
Hey, can you help me untwine this old rope?
Sure! It looks pretty tangled up.
I didn't think it would be this hard to untwine it.
Root Explanation
Untwine → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "twine" (from Old English "twīnan", meaning to twist or to wind). The word "untwine" means to reverse the action of twisting or winding something together.
Memory Tip
Think of 'un-' meaning not or the opposite, and 'twine' meaning to twist. So, to untwine is to not twist or to reverse the twisting.
Visually Confused Words
untine
entwine
untin
untie
twine
unintwined
unentwined
uptwined