What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unwind
Example
I like to unwind with a good book after a long day at work. [unwind: verb]
Example
The technician had to unwind the cable from the spool before connecting it to the machine. [unwinding: gerund or present participle]
unroll
Example
She unrolled the yoga mat and began her practice. [unrolled: past tense]
Example
The detective slowly unrolled the map, revealing the hidden location of the treasure. [unrolling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unwind is more commonly used than unroll in everyday language, as it has a broader range of contexts and applications. Unroll is more specific and less common, often used in technical or specialized fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between unwind and unroll?
Both unwind and unroll can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the situation. However, unroll may be more commonly used in technical or specialized fields, which may require a more formal tone.