Unfold
ʌnˈfoʊld
Definitions
2 meaningsTo open something that has been folded, or to reveal something gradually.
ʌnˈfoʊld
To open or spread out from a folded position.
She carefully unfolded the letter and began to read.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're sitting in a park, and you pull out your picnic blanket. As you spread it out so you can eat, you're 'unfolding' it! It also means to gradually tell a story so the secrets come out!
👶 For kids: To open something that was folded, like a blanket or a map, or to tell a story bit by bit.
More Examples
The events of the day began to unfold.
He unfolded the napkin and placed it on his lap.
How It's Used
"I unfolded the map to see where we were going."
"The story began to unfold slowly, revealing its secrets."
To reveal or make known gradually; to develop or become clear.
ʌnˈfoʊld
To reveal or make known gradually.
The story of their lives slowly unfolded as she told it.
💡 Simply: Imagine a mystery movie: as the story goes on, more information comes out to you, bit by bit until the whole truth is revealed. That is when things 'unfold'!
👶 For kids: When something slowly shows what is happening, like a secret or a surprise.
More Examples
The mystery of the missing jewels began to unfold.
As time went on, the truth unfolded about the scandal.
How It's Used
"The political situation began to unfold with each new revelation."
"The complex process of cell division unfolds in stages."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Unfold a story
To reveal a narrative or series of events gradually and with detail.
"The author masterfully unfolded a story of suspense."
As events unfold
As things happen or develop.
"We will monitor the situation as events unfold."
From Middle English *unfolden*, from Old English *unfēaldan* ('to unfold, open'), from *un-* ('un-') + *fēaldan* ('to fold').
The word 'unfold' has been used since the 14th century, initially referring to opening something that was folded. Over time, it has come to describe the gradual revelation of information or events.
Memory tip
Imagine a paper crane opening its wings - unfold!
Word Origin
"to open, reveal, and to develop"