verb
unfold
uhn-FOHLD
verb
1
To open out something that was folded.
"She unfolded the letter and began to read."
"He unfolded the map across the kitchen table."
2
To gradually happen or develop, especially as new details become known.
"Reporters watched as the scandal unfolded on live television."
3
To reveal or explain something step by step.
"The professor unfolded her argument slide by slide."
How to Use Unfold
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo open something up that was folded, or for a story or situation to develop and reveal itself over time.
Common pairings
unfold a map
events unfold
as the story unfolds
Word Forms
unfolded past tense, unfolded past tense, unfolds plural, unfolds singular, unfolds singular
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She _____ the letter and began to read.
Etymology
From Old English unfealdan, from un- + fold.