Disentangle vs. Untangle: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Aimie Carlson || Updated on May 20, 2024
"Disentangle" means to free something from complications or confusion, while "untangle" means to remove tangles or knots from something.
Key Differences
"Disentangle" is a verb that refers to the process of freeing something from complexity, confusion, or an intricate situation. It often implies resolving complications or clarifying something that is difficult to understand. "Untangle," on the other hand, specifically means to remove tangles or knots from something physical, such as hair, wires, or string. It focuses on the physical act of making something smooth or straight that was previously twisted or knotted.
When you disentangle something, you are addressing a more abstract or figurative complexity. This can involve solving a problem, clarifying a confusing situation, or freeing oneself from a complicated scenario. Untangling, however, deals with the practical, physical act of separating and smoothing out knotted or twisted items. It is a more straightforward process, usually involving manual dexterity to achieve a tidy or organized result.
"Disentangle" is about resolving abstract or complex issues, while "untangle" deals with the physical act of removing tangles from objects.
Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Verb
Verb
Definition
Free from complexity or confusion
Remove tangles or knots from something
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Example Usage
"Disentangle the complex legal issues"
"Untangle the knots in the rope"
Abstract vs. Physical
Abstract or figurative complexity
Physical tangles or knots
Process
Resolving, clarifying, or freeing from complications
Smoothing, separating, or straightening
Context
Issues, situations, relationships
Hair, wires, strings, ropes
Disentangle and Untangle Definitions
Disentangle
To clarify or resolve a complicated issue.
The committee aimed to disentangle the regulatory requirements.
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Untangle
To make something smooth or straight that was twisted.
He untangled the wires behind the computer.
Disentangle
To untwist or unweave from entanglement.
The author tried to disentangle the various plot lines in the story.
Untangle
To remove tangles or knots from something.
She untangled the Christmas lights before hanging them.
Disentangle
To free from involvement.
He managed to disentangle his finances from his business partner's.
Untangle
To detangle, typically referring to hair.
She used a comb to untangle her long hair.
Disentangle
To free from complications or confusion.
The lawyer worked to disentangle the complex case.
Untangle
To resolve by separating and straightening out.
She worked to untangle her thoughts after a long day.
Disentangle
To separate from an intricate or confusing situation.
She needed to disentangle herself from the messy relationship.
Untangle
To separate intertwined parts.
The fisherman untangled the lines before casting them again.
Disentangle
To extricate from entanglement or involvement; free.
Untangle
To free from a tangle; disentangle.
Disentangle
To clear up or resolve (a plot, for example); unravel.
Untangle
To straighten out (something puzzling or complicated); clarify or resolve
The accountant was unable to untangle the company's finances.
Disentangle
To become free of entanglement.
Untangle
(transitive) To remove tangles or knots from.
With gentle combing, untangle your hair.
Disentangle
(transitive) To free something from entanglement; to extricate or unknot.
I had to disentangle him from his own shoelaces.
Untangle
To remove confusion or mystery from.
It took a while, but he finally untangled the problem.
Disentangle
(transitive) To unravel; to separate into discrete components or units.
Untangle
To loose from tangles or intricacy; to disentangle; to resolve; as, to untangle thread.
Untangle but this cruel chain.
Disentangle
(intransitive) To become free or untangled.
Untangle
Release from entanglement of difficulty;
I cannot extricate myself from this task
Disentangle
To free from entanglement; to release from a condition of being intricately and confusedly involved or interlaced; to reduce to orderly arrangement; to straighten out; as, to disentangle a skein of yarn.
Untangle
Become or cause to become undone by separating the fibers or threads of;
The sweater unravelled
Disentangle
To extricate from complication and perplexity; disengage from embarrassing connection or intermixture; to disembroil; to set free; to separate.
To disentangle truth from error.
To extricate and disentangle themselves out of this labyrinth.
A mind free and disentangled from all corporeal mixtures.
Disentangle
Release from entanglement of difficulty;
I cannot extricate myself from this task
Disentangle
Extricate from entanglement;
Can you disentangle the cord?
Disentangle
Free from involvement or entanglement;
How can I disentangle myself from her personal affiars?
Disentangle
Separate the tangles of
Disentangle
Smoothen and neaten with or as with a comb;
Comb your hair before dinner
Comb the wool
FAQs
What does "disentangle" mean?
"Disentangle" means to free something from complexity, confusion, or an intricate situation.
What does "untangle" mean?
"Untangle" means to remove tangles or knots from something.
Can you give an example of "disentangle"?
e.g., The mediator helped to disentangle the conflicting interests of the parties involved.
Can "disentangle" refer to freeing oneself from a situation?
Yes, it can mean freeing oneself from a complicated or difficult situation.
Does "untangle" involve manual effort?
Yes, it usually requires physical effort to separate and smooth out knotted items.
Can you give an example of "untangle"?
e.g., He spent an hour trying to untangle the fishing line.
Does "untangle" imply physical dexterity?
Yes, it requires manual skill to separate and straighten tangled items.
Is "disentangle" used for abstract situations?
Yes, "disentangle" is often used for abstract or complex issues.
Is "untangle" used for physical objects?
Yes, "untangle" is typically used for physical objects like hair, wires, or ropes.
Is "untangle" often used in a domestic context?
Yes, it is frequently used in household or personal grooming activities.
Is "disentangle" often used in a professional context?
Yes, especially in fields like law, finance, and counseling.
Can "disentangle" refer to resolving conflicts?
Yes, it can refer to resolving and clarifying conflicting situations.
Can "untangle" refer to sorting out plans or ideas?
It can, though it is less common than using it for physical objects.
Does "disentangle" involve problem-solving?
Yes, it often involves resolving or clarifying complicated issues.
Can "untangle" be used metaphorically?
Yes, but it is less common and usually still implies a process of making something orderly.
Can "untangle" be used in everyday tasks?
Yes, it is commonly used for tasks like sorting out knotted cords or hair.
What is a common context for "disentangle"?
Legal issues, complicated relationships, or complex situations.
What is a common context for "untangle"?
Hair, wires, strings, or any physically knotted items.
Does "disentangle" imply mental effort?
Yes, it often involves thinking through and resolving complexities.
Can "disentangle" be used in writing?
Yes, it can refer to clarifying a complicated narrative or argument.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
