unwrinkle
lowformal, technical (e.g., fabric care)
Definition
Meaning
To remove wrinkles or creases from something; to smooth out.
To resolve or smooth out a problem, difficulty, or tense situation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most commonly used literally for fabrics (clothes, linen). The figurative use (to resolve problems) is less common and often metaphorical.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more likely to be used in British English for fabric care.
Connotations
Neutral. Suggests a deliberate, careful action to restore smoothness.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties. The simple verb 'smooth' or phrase 'smooth out' is more common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Transitive: to unwrinkle [OBJECT] (e.g., the dress)Ergative (rare): The fabric unwrinkled with steam.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to unwrinkle one's brow (to stop frowning, to relax)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially metaphorical: 'We need to unwrinkle the issues in the supply chain.'
Academic
Very rare, except in specific textile studies.
Everyday
Used in contexts of laundry, clothing, and home care.
Technical
Used in textile and fabric care industries.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She used a steamer to unwrinkle her blouse before the interview.
- A good iron will easily unwrinkle linen.
American English
- The new spray claims to unwrinkle clothes in minutes.
- He tried to unwrinkle the map on the hood of the car.
adjective
British English
- The treated fabric remained unwrinkled after packing.
American English
- She preferred unwrinkled tablecloths for formal dinners.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I unwrinkle my shirt with an iron.
- This fabric is difficult to unwrinkle once it's creased.
- Can you help me unwrinkle this tablecloth?
- A handheld steamer is the most effective tool to unwrinkle delicate silks.
- The diplomat's job was to unwrinkle the tensions between the two parties.
- The novel's plot carefully unwrinkles the complexities of the protagonist's past.
- Advanced polymer coatings allow materials to unwrinkle autonomously when heated.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: UN-doing a WRINKLE. Just like 'untie' means to reverse 'tie', 'unwrinkle' means to reverse a wrinkle.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE WRINKLES (smoothing out a problem).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from verbs like 'разглаживать'. 'Unwrinkle' is less common than 'smooth out' or 'iron'.
- Do not confuse with 'unwrinkled' as an adjective (без морщин).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'unwrinkle' intransitively without an object (*The shirt unwrinkled* is unnatural; 'The shirt smoothed out' is better).
- Overusing the figurative sense; it's a marked metaphor.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'unwrinkle' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a low-frequency word. 'Smooth out' or 'iron out' are more common in everyday speech.
It's very unusual for human skin. We say 'smooth skin' or use 'anti-wrinkle' for creams. 'Unwrinkle one's brow' is a possible, though literary, phrase.
'Iron' specifically implies using a hot iron. 'Unwrinkle' is more general and can involve steaming, hanging, or other methods.
Yes, but it's a conscious metaphor and is less common than 'iron out problems' or 'smooth over difficulties'.
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