unpack
Remove from suitcase
To unpack is to remove contents from a container—a suitcase, a box, a moving truck: We spent the weekend unpacking boxes.
The word extends to analyzing something complex by examining its components: Let's unpack that statement.
This figurative sense has become common in academic and media discourse, sometimes to the point of cliché.
Cut open to examine
- deconstructAnalyze by breaking down
- examineStudy with attention
- break downFail mechanically or emotionally
- parseExamine syntax closely
interpret · explore · unravel · scrutinize · process · reflect · work through · digest
Portable travel container
- bagsFlexible carrying containers
- trunkMain stem or storage
- belongingsThings you possess
- clothesFabric worn on body
travel · arrival · hotel · move in · settle in · boxes · duffel · carry-on
To make understood
- clarifyMake something understandable
- expoundExplain at length
- demystifyExplain something confusing
- explicateClarify through detailed analysis
illuminate · decipher · simplify · spell out · lay out · walk through · break down · elaborate
dissect
Cut open to examine
- deconstructAnalyze by breaking down
- examineStudy with attention
- break downFail mechanically or emotionally
parse · interpret · explore · unravel · scrutinize · process · reflect · work through · digest · untangle
suitcase
Portable travel container
- bagsFlexible carrying containers
- trunkMain stem or storage
- belongingsThings you possess
clothes · travel · arrival · hotel · move in · settle in · boxes · duffel · carry-on · wardrobe
elucidate
To make understood
explicate · illuminate · decipher · simplify · spell out · lay out · walk through · break down · elaborate · articulate
archive
Stored historical records
- zipToothed sliding fastener
- tarFile bundling utility
- decompressRelease stored pressure
unzip · file · folder · compression · inflate · gzip · extractor · download · install · bundle
uncover
Reveal what's hidden
unearth · bring to light · lay bare · surface · discover · unmask · open up · unfold · divulge · manifest
- U-wordsugly, ultimate, ultra, umbrella, unable
- lodging actionscheck in, check out, book, reserve, register
- file compressionzip, unzip, compress, decompress, archiver
- analysisanalyze, analysis, evaluate, data analysis, examine
- buzzwordssynergy, leverage, paradigm, stakeholder, scalable
- camping activitiescamp, hike, fish, swim, cook