unfold

Everyday

1. To open something that was folded so it lies flat or spreads out. tree →
2. (of a story or events) To happen or become known little by little. tree →
3. (of a leaf, flower or wing) To open out. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life you unfold a map, a letter or a towel. In stories and the news «events unfolded» means things happened one after another and we learnt about them slowly. In maths, unfolding a paper shape or a box shows its net. Phrases: «unfold a map», «as the story unfolds», «watch events unfold».

Examples

• Unfold the map so we can find the beach. tree →
• She unfolded the letter and began to read. tree →
• As the story unfolds, we find out who the thief is. tree →
• We watched the race unfold on the big screen. tree →
• In spring the new leaves unfold on the trees. tree →
• The butterfly slowly unfolded its wings. tree →
• If you unfold the cereal box, you can see its net. tree →
• Oh! what wonders and splendours unfolded themselves before Elsa’s astonished eyes! tree →

Note

Regular verb: unfolded, unfolding. The opposite of «fold». The prefix «un-» here means «undo», not «not». For a story it is often used without an object: «the plot unfolds».

In Jewish tradition

In everyday life you unfold a map, a letter or a towel. In stories and the news «events unfolded» means things happened one after another and we learnt about them slowly. In maths, unfolding a paper shape or a box shows its net. Phrases: «unfold a map», «as the story unfolds», «watch events unfold».

Examples

• But every attempt to unfold this mystery has hitherto been unsuccessful". (Mordell, The Origin of Letters and Numerals according to Sefer Yetzirah (1914)) tree →

Note

Regular verb: unfolded, unfolding. The opposite of «fold». The prefix «un-» here means «undo», not «not». For a story it is often used without an object: «the plot unfolds».