Ravel

/ˈrævl/
verb

To make something complex or confusing.

Her explanation only served to ravel the issue further.
Visual representation of "ravel" - To make something complex or confusing.

Often appears as...

  • ravel the issue
  • ravel the situation
verb

To cause a thread or yarn to separate or become twisted.

Be careful not to ravel the yarn while knitting.
Visual representation of "ravel" - To cause a thread or yarn to separate or become twisted.

Often appears as...

  • ravel yarn
  • ravel thread
verb

To become twisted or tangled.

The threads ravelled after many washes.
Visual representation of "ravel" - To become twisted or tangled.

Often appears as...

  • threads ravel
  • cords ravel
noun

A tangle or complication.

We spent hours untangling the ravel of wires behind the TV.
Visual representation of "ravel" - A tangle or complication.

Often appears as...

  • ravel of wires
  • ravel of threads
verb

To make something complex or confusing.

Her explanation only served to ravel the issue further.
Visual representation of "ravel" - To make something complex or confusing.

Often appears as...

  • ravel the issue
  • ravel the situation
verb

To cause a thread or yarn to separate or become twisted.

Be careful not to ravel the yarn while knitting.
Visual representation of "ravel" - To cause a thread or yarn to separate or become twisted.

Often appears as...

  • ravel yarn
  • ravel thread
verb

To become twisted or tangled.

The threads ravelled after many washes.
Visual representation of "ravel" - To become twisted or tangled.

Often appears as...

  • threads ravel
  • cords ravel
noun

A tangle or complication.

We spent hours untangling the ravel of wires behind the TV.
Visual representation of "ravel" - A tangle or complication.

Often appears as...

  • ravel of wires
  • ravel of threads
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "ravel"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

Often used metaphorically to describe situations that become more complex.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Their relationship began to ravel as secrets emerged.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

Ravel tends to carry a negative connotation when applied to issues.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
His remarks only served to ravel the debate.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoid in Positive Context

Don't use 'ravel' to indicate making things better or clearer.

Illustration for Avoid in Positive Context
Incorrect: She helped ravel out their plans.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

Often used metaphorically to describe situations that become more complex.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Their relationship began to ravel as secrets emerged.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

Ravel tends to carry a negative connotation when applied to issues.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
His remarks only served to ravel the debate.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoid in Positive Context

Don't use 'ravel' to indicate making things better or clearer.

Illustration for Avoid in Positive Context
Incorrect: She helped ravel out their plans.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphorical Use

Often used metaphorically to describe situations that become more complex.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Their relationship began to ravel as secrets emerged.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Negative Connotation

Ravel tends to carry a negative connotation when applied to issues.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
His remarks only served to ravel the debate.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoid in Positive Context

Don't use 'ravel' to indicate making things better or clearer.

Illustration for Avoid in Positive Context
Incorrect: She helped ravel out their plans.
Visual representation of the word "Ravel"

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Quote examples

Jean-Michel Jarre

French Musician

I thought we had opposite visions of electronic music. Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk had a very robotic, mechanical approach. I had a more impressionist vision - a Ravel/Debussy approach.
Portrait of Jean-Michel Jarre

Quote examples

Jean-Michel Jarre

French Musician

I thought we had opposite visions of electronic music. Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk had a very robotic, mechanical approach. I had a more impressionist vision - a Ravel/Debussy approach.
Portrait of Jean-Michel Jarre
Example 1 of 1
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