unfold
Americanverb (used with object)
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to bring out of a folded state; spread or open out.
Unfold your arms.
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to spread out or lay open to view.
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to reveal or display.
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to reveal or disclose in words, especially by careful or systematic exposition; set forth; explain.
verb (used without object)
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to become unfolded; open.
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to develop.
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to become clear, apparent, or known.
The protagonist's character unfolds as the story reaches its climax.
verb
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to open or spread out or be opened or spread out from a folded state
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to reveal or be revealed
the truth unfolds
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to develop or expand or be developed or expanded
Other Word Forms
- unfoldable adjective
- unfolder noun
- unfoldment noun
Etymology
Origin of unfold
before 900; Middle English unfolden, Old English unfealdan; cognate with German entfalten. See un- 2, fold 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On the day of the special episode, Amanda's family took her for a meal while secret cameras were set up across the house, with McIntyre and the team next door watching it unfold.
From BBC
The 23-year-old Swiss singer told fans she was "healthy" and "taking care of myself," adding: "Sometimes things unfold in ways we don't fully control, but I'm trusting the bigger picture."
From BBC
While stories of women take centre stage in the film, another tale unfolds - Khaki and Eyni got married while making it.
From BBC
“All this feels like a pre-written scenario that has taken this long to unfold,” Ali said.
From Los Angeles Times
Vibrant coral dots the foreground while a kaleidoscope of stars unfolds behind her.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
