unravel
word
Definition
To untangle something that is twisted or woven, or to solve a mystery, problem, or complex situation.
Usage & Nuances
Common in both literal (threads, yarn) and figurative (mystery, problem) senses. Formality: neutral. Often used with 'mystery,' 'situation,' 'plan,' or 'thread.' Can also mean to come apart (the sweater began to unravel).
Spanish: desenredar - resolverPortuguese (BR): desvendar - desfiar - resolverPortuguese (PT): desvendar - desfazer - resolverChinese (Simplified): 解开 - 解决（谜团/问题）Chinese (Traditional): 解開 - 解決（謎團/問題）Hindi: सुलझाना - खुलनाArabic: حلّ - فكّBengali: খুলে ফেলা - উদ্ঘাটন করাRussian: распутывать - разгадыватьJapanese: 解く - 解明するVietnamese: tháo ra - làm sáng tỏKorean: 풀다 - 해결하다Turkish: çözmek - açmakUrdu: سلجھانا - کھلناIndonesian: mengurai - memecahkan
Example Sentences
She tried to unravel the knots in the string.
basic
It took years to unravel the truth about the case.
basic
The sweater began to unravel at the sleeve.
basic
Can you help me unravel this complicated math problem?
natural
The mystery started to unravel as they found more clues.
natural
After the news came out, everything seemed to unravel quickly.
natural