Words / B2

un-FOHLD/ʌnˈfəʊld/

To unfold is to happen or develop, or to open something folded: as events unfold; unfold a map. Develop is close for stories; happen is everyday. Do not use unfold for a one-second click unless you mean a literal fold. News: the scandal unfolded over days of hearings.

Meaning

To happen or develop; also to open something that was folded.

Examples

• “The scandal unfolded over three days of hearings.”
• “Unfold the map of the catchment, which is the literal sense.”

Good to know

events / a story unfold; unfold a map / letter. Close: develop. Everyday: happen. News: as the crisis unfolds. Literal fold versus metaphor.

Near in meaning

develop

New