unfold — to open something that was folded; to reveal or develop gradually
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to open something that was folded; to reveal or develop gradually
Pronunciation (IPA): /ʌnˈfoʊld/
Example Sentences
- The detective watched the crime unfold on the security camera.
- My grandmother's origami crane refused to unfold, as if it had a mind of its own.
- The drama of my burnt toast unfolded as the smoke alarm joined the morning symphony.
unfold
VERB[/ʌnˈfoʊld/]
to open something that was folded; to reveal or develop gradually
The detective watched the mystery unfold as each new clue revealed the truth.
He unfolded the letter and finally read the long-awaited news. (UN + FOLD → open what was folded)
As prophecies unfold, behold what was foretold!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Unfold derives from Old English unfoldan, combining the prefix un- (meaning 'reverse' or 'opposite') with foldan (meaning 'to bend' or 'to fold'). The word originally referred to the physical action of opening or spreading something that was folded, and later extended metaphorically to mean revealing or disclosing hidden information.
Breakdown
un- (reverse, opposite) + fold (to bend, to fold). The prefix un- negates or reverses the action of folding, resulting in the opening or spreading of something previously closed or concealed.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The detective watched the crime unfold on the security camera.”
“My grandmother's origami crane refused to unfold, as if it had a mind of its own.”
“The drama of my burnt toast unfolded as the smoke alarm joined the morning symphony.”
“As the semester unfolds, students realize that 'easy A' was just a myth.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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