"Disentangle" vs. "untangle": same thread, different knots

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 30/12/2024, 12:00

English.me team member

Disentangle and untangle. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "disentangle" and "untangle" mean to remove tangles or knots, both literally and figuratively. They refer to the process of making something less complicated or easier to understand by separating intertwined elements.

What is different?

"Disentangle" often implies a more complex or intricate process of separating things that are deeply intertwined or complicated. It is frequently used in more formal or figurative contexts, such as disentangling complex issues or relationships. "Untangle" is commonly used for physical objects and may suggest a simpler or more straightforward process of removing tangles, such as untangling ropes or hair.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Disentangle

The historian worked to disentangle the myths from the facts.
They needed to disentangle themselves from the legal complications.
She tried to disentangle her thoughts after the confusing lecture.

Untangle

He helped untangle the kite string.
She spent hours trying to untangle her hair after the windy day.
The IT specialist managed to untangle the wires behind the computer.