untie

untie — verb

1. to undo a knot or release something that has been tied by loosening the strings,

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to undo a knot or release something that has been tied by loosening the strings, ropes, or laces that keep it closed or held together.

例句

Reuben bent down to untie his shoelaces before taking off his trainers.

collocation: untie + shoelaces

Ayesha tried to untie the tight knot in the string around the parcel.

collocation: untie + knot

同義詞
  • undo

    broader meaning — can apply to buttons, zippers, and fasteners, not just knots

  • loosen

    suggests making something less tight rather than fully releasing it

  • unfasten

    slightly more formal; covers buckles, straps, and clasps as well as knots

反義詞
  • tie

    the direct opposite action — to form a knot or attach with string

  • fasten

    general opposite — to close or fix something in place

文法句型

untie + noun phrase (knot, shoelaces, ribbon, rope, string, tie, parcel)

用法筆記

Typically used with a physical object that has been knotted or tied — for example, a knot, shoelace, ribbon, or rope. The past participle untied can also function as an adjective (e.g., 'Your shoelaces are untied.').

常見錯誤

❌I untied the door and walked in.
✅I unlocked the door and walked in.
💡'untie' is for knots and tied objects; doors are opened with keys or handles, not tied.