unfold

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive or intransitive

   To open something that was folded, so it becomes flat or fully spread out.

   Grammar: Can take an object: unfold the map. It can also be used without an object: the chair unfolds easily.

   Patterns

   • unfold something
   • unfold into something

   She unfolded the letter carefully and read it twice.

   The sofa unfolds into a comfortable bed for guests.

   He unfolded the map on the table so we could plan the route.

2. 2verbintransitive

   To gradually become known, happen, or develop, especially in a way that is interesting or surprising.

   Grammar: No object; often used with events like story, drama, events, situation.

   Patterns

   • events unfold
   • a story unfolds
   • watch something unfold

   We watched the drama unfold on the evening news.

   The story unfolds slowly, revealing secrets from the past.

   As the meeting unfolded, it became clear that no one agreed.

3. 3verbtransitiveliterary

   To tell or explain something gradually in a story or account.

   Grammar: Takes an object: unfold a tale.

   Patterns

   • unfold a story
   • unfold a tale

   The old sailor unfolded a tale of storms and lost ships.

   She unfolded the story of her family's journey over several chapters.

Word forms

Common combinations

watch something unfold

Millions watched the election results unfold live.

events unfold

The police are waiting to see how events unfold before making a statement.

unfold a map

He unfolded the map and pointed to a small village.

unfold before someone

A beautiful view unfolded before us as we reached the top.

slowly unfold

The mystery slowly unfolds over the course of the novel.

Synonyms and how they differ

open

Use open for the physical action of making something not closed; unfold is more specific and suggests something was folded.

develop

Develop is often used for situations getting bigger or more serious; unfold focuses on events becoming known over time.

reveal

Reveal means to make something known, often suddenly; unfold suggests a gradual process.

spread out

Spread out is about extending something over an area; unfold is about opening folds.

Opposites

Word family

unfolded adjective

Describing something that has been opened out.

unfolding noun

The process of events developing or being revealed.

Commonly confused: unfold or unfolded?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “unfold”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words