French Conversation · Level 110
59 words
French word
délier
Pronunciation
IPA/delje/
Meaning
- verbuntie
Example
Elle délie vite ses lacets.
She quickly unties her shoelaces.
More examples
La conversation lui a délié la langue.
The conversation loosened his tongue.
Core concept
Fingers loosen a knot until the cord runs free.
Common phrases
délier la langue
loosen someone's tongue
délier une corde
untie a rope
Similar words
dénouer: To untie a knot or cord.
défaire: To undo wrapping or a knot and restore its original state.
détacher: To unfasten something secured with a clasp or clip.
desserrer: To loosen something tight and reduce the pressure it applies.
Definition in French
Enlever ou desserrer un lien qui attache quelque chose, par exemple un nœud, un lacet ou une corde.
Word origin
The verb developed from Old French deslier, based on dé- for undoing and lier, which comes from Latin ligare, 'to bind'.
Usage tips
- Délier suits knots, laces, and cords, while détacher is usually more natural for removing an attached object.