untwist
Elementary (A2)
IPA: //ʌnˈtwɪst//
KK: /ʌnˈtwɪst/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become straight or loose after being twisted.
Example
The rope will untwist if you pull it gently.
Tense Forms
Past: untwisted
Past Participle: untwisted
Conversation
I can't believe how tangled my headphones got again!
Yeah, that always happens to me too.
I hope they untwist easily this time.
They usually do if you just give them a little time.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
unravel
untangle
loosen
Antonyms
twist
entangle
coil
transitive verb
Definition
To make something that is twisted straight again by turning it in the opposite direction.
Example
She had to untwist the tangled necklace before she could wear it.
Tense Forms
Past: untwisted
Past Participle: untwisted
Conversation
I accidentally untwist my headphones while trying to pack them.
That’s frustrating! It always happens to me too.
Yeah, I need to find a better way to store them so they don’t get tangled.
Root Explanation
Untwist → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or opposite of) and "twist" (from Old English "twistian", meaning to twist or turn). The word "untwist" means to reverse the action of twisting or to make something straight again.
Memory Tip
Think of 'un-' meaning not or the opposite, and 'twist' meaning to turn. So, to untwist is to make something not twisted.
Visually Confused Words
unwist
uptwist
puntist
intwist
entwist
twist
punctist