What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unraveled
Example
She unraveled the tangled yarn with patience and skill. [unraveled: verb]
Example
The detective finally unraveled the mystery and solved the case. [unraveled: past tense]
disintegrate
Example
The old building slowly disintegrated over time, leaving only ruins behind. [disintegrated: past participle]
Example
The sandcastle disintegrated when the waves crashed against it. [disintegrated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Disintegrate is more commonly used than unravel in everyday language. Disintegrate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while unravel is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unraveled and disintegrate?
While disintegrate can be used in both formal and informal contexts, unravel is typically associated with a more formal tone and used in academic or technical writing.