Disentangle

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ˌdɪsɪnˈtæŋɡl/ (US, UK)

Definitions

• To free something from entanglement or confusion.
• To unravel a complex situation or problem.

Usage Examples

• She carefully tried to disentangle her necklace from the pile of jewelry.
• The lawyer worked to disentangle the legal complications of the case.

Etymology

From "dis-" (apart, away) + "entangle" (to twist or complicate), first recorded in the late 16th century.

Synonyms

• Untangle
• Unravel
• Free
• Clarify

Antonyms

• Entangle
• Complicate
• Confuse

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American English, the "t" sound in "disentangle" is more pronounced, whereas in British English, it may sound softer, blending slightly with the following vowel.

Historical Usage

First used in English texts in the 16th century, "disentangle" was initially applied to physical objects like ropes or threads before gaining a figurative meaning in problem-solving and conflict resolution.

Cultural Nuances

Metaphorically, disentangling is often used in discussions of politics, law, and personal relationships, where complexity needs to be resolved.

More Information

In literature, the concept of disentanglement is often central to narratives involving conflict resolution or overcoming obstacles. Many philosophical discussions also revolve around the idea of disentangling truth from misinformation.