unlock
gb/ʌnlˈɑk/ us/ʌnlˈɑk/
A2
Inglés
~ 8900
Acepciones
0 acepciones
Verbo
A2
action
1
open something that is locked
To open something that has a lock, like a door or a car, by using a key, code, or card.
Patrón de uso:
to unlock [something]
Error frecuente:
Learners sometimes say *open the lock* when they mean *unlock the door* or *unlock the box*. Use *unlock* with the thing that has the lock (door, car, safe), not usually with the word *lock* itself.
Sinónimos
open (More general and does not always imply a lock; can be used for things like windows, boxes, or mouths.)
|
unfasten (More formal and general; used for things held closed by a buckle, clasp, or strap, not only by locks.)
Antónimos
lock (Means to secure something with a lock so it cannot be opened.)
|
secure (Broader; means to make something safe or fixed, often by locking or fastening it.)
Colocaciones
unlock the door
|unlock the front door
|unlock the car
|unlock the safe
|unlock with a key
|unlock the gate
Temas
daily life
|home
|travel
|daily_life
|housing
Ejemplos
- She forgot to unlock the front door before the guests arrived.
- I always unlock my bike and bring it inside at night.
- The guard unlocked the gate and waved the truck through.
- He unlocked the safe and took out the documents.
- Could you unlock the car so I can put my bag inside?
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- Please unlock the door; I don't have a key.
- He unlocked the car and we got in.
- The teacher unlocked the classroom in the morning.
- I can't unlock this box because I lost the key.
- The manager unlocked the office at nine o'clock.
Verbo
B1
action
2
make a phone or device usable
To enter a code, password, or use your face or finger so you can use your phone, tablet, computer, or another device.
Patrón de uso:
to unlock [a device/screen/account]
Error frecuente:
Learners sometimes use *open* instead of *unlock* for devices, saying *open my phone* instead of *unlock my phone*. Use *unlock* when you remove security protection, and *open* for apps or files (e.g. *open the app*, *open the file*).
Sinónimos
log in (Used more for accessing online accounts or computer systems, not usually for simply waking a phone screen.)
Antónimos
lock (To make a device require a password, code, or biometric check again.)
Colocaciones
unlock your phone
|unlock the screen
|unlock the device
|unlock with a password
|unlock with Face ID
|unlock your account
Temas
technology
|daily life
|communication
Ejemplos
- You need to unlock your phone before you can use the banking app.
- I can't unlock my laptop because I forgot the password.
- She unlocked the screen with her fingerprint and checked her messages.
- If you enter the wrong code three times, you won't be able to unlock the device.
- Customer service helped him unlock his account after the security check.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- I unlock my phone with my face.
- Please unlock the tablet so I can watch the video.
- He forgot the code and could not unlock his phone.
- You must unlock the screen to see the menu.
- She unlocked her account after changing the password.
Verbo
B2
action
3
make resources or features available
To make money, help, or special features available so people can use them.
Patrón de uso:
to unlock [resources/options/features]
Error frecuente:
Learners may confuse this sense with the physical meaning and think *unlock* must always involve a real lock. In business, news, or tech, *unlock* is often used figuratively with words like *resources*, *funds*, *features*, and *opportunities* to mean *make them available*, not to open a physical lock.
Sinónimos
release (Very close in meaning; slightly more general and common in formal and informal contexts.)
|
enable (Focuses more on making something possible or turning something on, especially in technical or software contexts.)
Antónimos
block (To prevent access to resources or features so they cannot be used.)
|
restrict (To limit how much something can be used or who can use it.)
Colocaciones
unlock resources
|unlock funds
|unlock new features
|unlock access to
|unlock opportunities
|unlock investment
Temas
business
|technology
|society
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- The new policy is expected to unlock funds for small businesses.
- Subscribing to the premium plan will unlock extra features in the app.
- Improved transport links could unlock economic opportunities in the region.
- The charity campaign helped unlock resources for communities in need.
- This agreement will unlock access to international markets for local farmers.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- Paying a fee can unlock more tools in the software.
- The new rule will unlock money for student programs.
- Better roads can unlock jobs in the area.
- The company hopes to unlock new markets in Asia.
- This plan may unlock more help for poor families.
Verbo
B2
action
4
reveal or bring out something hidden
To help show or use something that was hidden, like a secret, an idea, or someone’s talent or feelings.
Patrón de uso:
to unlock [potential/secrets/creativity/feelings]
Error frecuente:
Learners may take this meaning too literally and expect a real lock or key. Here, *unlock* is figurative and is often used with abstract nouns like *potential*, *secrets*, *creativity*, *memories*, and *emotions* to mean *help them come out* or *help people understand them*.
Sinónimos
reveal (Focuses on making something known or visible; does not always carry the idea of enabling use or growth.)
|
unleash (Stronger and more dramatic; often suggests releasing powerful or intense forces or emotions.)
Antónimos
suppress (To keep feelings, abilities, or ideas hidden or held back instead of letting them come out.)
|
conceal (To hide information or feelings so they are not seen or understood.)
Colocaciones
unlock your potential
|unlock creativity
|unlock the secrets of
|unlock the mystery of
|unlock hidden talents
|unlock memories
Temas
education
|emotions
|personal growth
Ejemplos
- Good teachers know how to unlock a child's natural curiosity.
- The research could unlock the secrets of how the human brain learns.
- Traveling abroad helped unlock his confidence and independence.
- The therapy sessions slowly unlocked memories from her childhood.
- This book aims to unlock your creativity with simple daily exercises.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- A kind coach can unlock a student’s talent.
- The new study hopes to unlock the secrets of sleep.
- Learning another language can unlock new ideas in your mind.
- The music unlocked strong feelings from his past.
- Her classes helped unlock my creativity.
Gramática
Forma de diccionario
unlock
AFI
GB/ʌnlˈɑk/
US/ʌnlˈɑk/
Sílabas y acento
un - lock (2 sílabas)
Stress on 2nd syllable (lock)
Formas de la palabra
Verb
- Base: unlock
- 3rd Person Singular: unlocks
- Present Participle: unlocking
- Past: unlocked
Familia de palabras
Expresiones
unlock the secrets of
1/ʌnlˈɑk ðə sˈikɹɪts əv/
fixed phrase
discover how something works
To find out and explain important hidden facts about something, so people understand it better.
Ejemplos
- Scientists are trying to unlock the secrets of the human brain.
- This documentary aims to unlock the secrets of the deep ocean.
unlock value
1/ʌnlˈɑk vˈælju/
fixed phrase
technical
realize or release financial value
To change how you use something, like land, a company, or an idea, so that it brings more money or benefit.
Ejemplos
- The merger is expected to unlock value for shareholders.
- Selling unused property can unlock value for the business.
unlock your potential
1/ʌnlˈɑk jˈʊɹ pətˈɛnʃəl/
fixed phrase
help someone use full abilities
To start using all of your skills and abilities, often with help from someone or something.
Ejemplos
- This course is designed to help you unlock your potential at work.
- A good mentor can unlock your potential and guide your career.