Meaning
Unfold means to open up something that was folded, or to gradually reveal or become clear. It can describe both a physical action (like opening paper or fabric) and a figurative process (like events or stories developing over time).
Grammar and Usage
- Part of speech: Verb
- Forms: unfold – unfolded – unfolded
- Transitive: when it takes an object (e.g., She unfolded the letter.)
- Intransitive: when it doesn’t take an object (e.g., The story unfolded slowly.)
Patterns:
- unfold + object → unfold a map, unfold wings, unfold a secret
- subject + unfold → Events unfolded, The truth unfolded
Common Phrases
- Unfold a plan – reveal or explain a plan in detail
- As events unfold – as things happen or develop
- Unfold one’s arms – move arms from a crossed position
- Unfold the truth – gradually reveal the facts
Collocations
- gently unfold
- slowly unfold
- begin to unfold
- unfold like a story
- unfold before one’s eyes
Examples
- She unfolded the map on the table to show the route.
- The mystery unfolded as the detective revealed each clue.
- The petals of the flower unfolded in the morning sunlight.
- His plan unfolded exactly as he had predicted.
- As the night unfolded, the tension in the room grew.
- He unfolded his arms and sighed deeply.
- The drama unfolded before the audience’s eyes.
- The teacher unfolded the paper crane carefully to show how it was made.
Synonyms or Related
- open up
- reveal
- develop
- evolve
- expand
Antonym
- fold
- conceal
- compress
- hide