unweave

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ʌnˈwiːv/

KK: /ʌnˈwiːv/

verb

Definition

To separate or take apart something that has been woven together, like threads or fabric.

Example

She decided to unweave the tapestry to fix the mistakes she made.

Tense Forms

Past: unwove

Past Participle: unwound

Conversation

I think I need to unweave this scarf; it's a bit too tight.

Yeah, I noticed it looked a little snug on you.

Do you know how to unweave it without ruining it?

I can help! Just be careful and go slowly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

untangle

unravel

disentangle

Antonyms

weave

entangle

intertwine

Root Explanation

Unweave → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or to reverse) and "weave" (from Old English "wefan", meaning to interlace threads). The word "unweave" means to reverse the process of weaving, or to take apart something that has been woven together.

Memory Tip

Think of 'un-' meaning to reverse and 'weave' as interlacing threads — so unweave means to take apart what has been woven.

Visually Confused Words

unwaved

unreave

unleave

inweave