The word "unwrap" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription ʌnˈræp. The first syllable "un" is pronounced with the ʌ sound, while the second syllable "wrap" has the ˈræp sound. The "w" is silent and the stress is on the second syllable. The spelling of "unwrap" follows the English language's spelling pattern of adding "un" as a prefix to negate the meaning of the base word "wrap."
Unwrap is a transitive verb that refers to the action of opening or removing a covering or packaging from an object or container. The term suggests the process of taking off or undoing a wrapping material or cover that is enclosing something tightly.
When you unwrap an item, it involves removing any layer that is obscuring or concealing the contents. This can include unwrapping a gift, where the outer decorative paper or packaging is removed to reveal the present inside. Similarly, it can be used in the context of opening a package, where you untie, peel off, or cut any tape, paper, or protective covering around it to access the contents.
Unwrapping can also extend to the removal of other forms of packaging, such as plastic wrap, cellophane, foil, or even mummifying bandages. The purpose of unwrapping may vary depending on the situation; it can be done to uncover or expose something hidden, to access the item enclosed, or to simply reveal what is inside.
Additionally, the term "unwrap" can have a figurative sense, referring to the process of unraveling or revealing information, secrets, or hidden meanings. In this sense, it pertains to the act of bringing to light something that was previously concealed or unknown.
To open what is folded.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "unwrap" is believed to have originated from the combination of two Old English words: "un-" and "wrapian".
1. "Un-" is a prefix in English used to indicate negation or reversal. It comes from the Old English word "un-", which has a similar meaning.
2. "Wrapian" is a verb in Old English that means "to enclose or cover by folding or winding". The word is related to the Old Norse word "rapa", meaning "to wrap or entangle".
Over time, the prefix "un-" and the verb "wrapian" merged together to form the modern word "unwrap", which means to remove or open a covering or packaging around something.