unpack
uhn-PAK
/ʌnˈpæk/
To open and remove the contents of a suitcase, box, or container.
Can be used literally for physical boxes or metaphorically to analyze complex ideas or emotions.
The story behind the word. Formed in Middle English by combining the prefix 'un-' (reversal) with 'pack' (from Middle Dutch 'pac', bundle). It has transitioned from a purely physical chore to a common academic metaphor.
Word relationships
- empty: Empty means to remove everything from a container, whereas unpack specifically implies systematically organizing the removed items.
- unburden: Unburden is used almost exclusively for emotional relief, whereas unpack can be both physical and intellectual.
- pack: To put things into a container for transport or storage.
Commonly confused with
- unravel: Unravel means to untangle threads or solve a mystery, while unpack means to take items out of a container.
Word family
- unpacked (adjective): Having been opened and emptied.
Collocations
- unpack boxes
- unpack bags
- unpack a concept
- fully unpack
Example sentences
- "It took them nearly a month to fully unpack all the boxes and make the new house feel like a home." Moving into a new home
- "In the seminar, the professor helped us unpack the dense philosophical arguments in the text." Metaphorical analysis
Memory hook
You 'unpack' to take things 'out of the pack'. Unpack the pack to settle in.
When not to use
Do not use when simply opening a door or a drawer without removing items.
Fun facts
- The metaphorical use of 'unpack' (to analyze an idea) became popular in literary criticism and academic circles in the late 20th century.
Also appears in
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