unlace

IPA/ʌnˈleɪs/
IPA/ʌnˈleɪs/

unlace — verb

  • unlacepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • unlaceshe / she / it
  • unlacedpast simple
  • unlacing-ing form

1. to untie and loosen the laces of a shoe, boot, or piece of clothing so the item

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to untie and loosen the laces of a shoe, boot, or piece of clothing so the item can be opened up or taken off

例句

Elena bent down to unlace her muddy hiking boots before stepping inside the cabin.

Samir sat on the bench and unlaced his football shoes after the match ended.

unlace + footwear (shoes, boots, trainers)

同義詞
  • undo

    more general — applies to buttons, zips, knots, and any kind of fastening, not only laces

  • unfasten

    broader — covers any type of fastening (buckles, clips, laces), without the specific image of loosening cords

  • untie

    focuses on undoing a single knot rather than systematically loosening a set of laces

反義詞
  • lace up

    the direct opposite action: pulling laces tight and fastening them

  • fasten

    general opposite — closing or securing any type of fastening

文法句型

unlace + noun phrase

用法筆記

Object is typically footwear (shoes, boots, trainers) or clothing fastened with laces or cords (dresses, corsets). Not used for items closed with buttons, zips, or Velcro.

常見錯誤

❌I unlaced my shirt buttons before bed.
✅I unbuttoned my shirt before bed.
💡'unlace' is only for items fastened with laces or cords; buttons, zips, and press-studs need their own verbs.