Ravel Meaning in English
word
Definition
To untangle or separate threads, or to make something become untwisted and clear. It can also mean to make something more complicated or tangled, but is most commonly used for making things clearer or untangled.
Usage & Nuances
'Ravel' can be confusing because it means both to untangle (make clearer) and, less commonly, to tangle (make more complex). Most often used in contexts like threads, string, or solving a problem. Formal or literary—rare in daily conversation. Typical phrase: 'ravel out' means untangle.
Example Sentences
It's easy to ravel a sweater if you pull one loose thread.
basic
She tried to ravel the necklace, but the knots were too tight.
basic
The mystery began to ravel as we found more clues.
basic
Can you help me ravel out these cables? They're all mixed up.
natural
His explanation only served to ravel things further.
natural
After some work, I managed to ravel the story into something that made sense.
natural