fold
1 antonyms and opposites of fold, grouped by meaning.
Verb — To bend something, especially paper or fabric, over on itself.
Antonyms
How to use fold
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
The verb comes from Old English fealdan, an ancient Germanic word for bending something over on itself; the noun meaning "sheep pen" is a separate, older English word that happens to share the same spelling.
Full origin of fold →Frequently asked questions
What does “fold” mean?
The word “fold” means to bend something, especially paper or fabric, over on itself. In plain terms, to bend something over itself (paper, arms, laundry), to quit (in poker or business), or (separately) an enclosure for animals / a group one belongs to.
How do you pronounce “fold”?
“Fold” is pronounced FOHLD (/foʊld/ in IPA).
How do you use “fold” in a sentence?
Here is “fold” used in a sentence: “She folded the letter and slipped it into an envelope.”
What is the opposite of “fold”?
The opposite of “fold” — its antonyms — is unfold.
What part of speech is “fold”?
Depending on how it is used, “fold” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “fold” come from?
The word “fold” comes from Old English. The verb comes from Old English fealdan, an ancient Germanic word for bending something over on itself; the noun meaning "sheep pen" is a separate, older English word that happens to share the same spelling.
Is “fold” a common word?
“Fold” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “fold” have?
“Fold” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to bend something, especially paper or fabric, over on itself.
What is the difference between fold and crease?
Fold describes the action of bending something over on itself or the resulting shape, while crease specifically refers to the line or mark left behind after folding. You fold a piece of paper, and the fold leaves a crease along the bend.
What does it mean to fold in a card game?
To fold in a card game, especially poker, means to stop betting and withdraw from the current hand, forfeiting any chance of winning that round. The term also extends figuratively to a business or venture withdrawing or shutting down.
What is the meaning of fold as it relates to sheep?
As a noun, a fold is a fenced enclosure used for keeping sheep. Figuratively, it also refers to a group of people united by a shared belief or purpose, as in "welcomed back into the fold."