unfold

unfold — verb

1. to take something that was previously folded and make it lie flat by opening its

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

to take something that was previously folded and make it lie flat by opening its folds or sections

Example

Sophia unfolded the map on the kitchen table and traced the route with her finger.

transitive: unfold + physical object (map, letter, blanket)

The morning glory in Marta's garden unfolds its petals at dawn each day.

Common collocations
  • unfold a map
  • unfold a letter
  • unfold a blanket
  • unfold a chair
  • unfold wings
  • unfold petals
Synonyms
  • open

    more general; can apply to anything closed, not just items with folds

  • spread out

    emphasises covering a surface; phrasal verb, slightly more informal

  • unfurl

    used for rolled items like flags, sails, or umbrellas; more literary

Antonyms
  • fold

    the direct opposite: to bend something over on itself

  • fold up

    phrasal verb meaning to fold into a smaller shape

Grammar Patterns

unfold + noun phrase (transitive)

noun phrase + unfold (intransitive)

Usage Note

Can be transitive (a person unfolds something) or intransitive (something unfolds by itself). In intransitive use, the subject is typically an object with folds or a mechanical item designed to fold up.

Common Mistakes

She unfolded the paper and fold it again.
She unfolded the paper and folded it again.
'unfold' is the opposite of 'fold'; do not mix tenses incorrectly.
He unfold the map on the table.
He unfolded the map on the table.
'unfold' is a regular verb; the past tense is 'unfolded.'

2. to happen or develop gradually so that people can see or understand the full pic

2.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to happen or develop gradually so that people can see or understand the full picture

Example

The plot of the novel unfolds slowly, keeping readers guessing until the final chapter.

intransitive: plot/story unfolds for narrative development

As the meeting unfolded, it was clear that the team disagreed on the budget.

Common collocations
  • plot unfolds
  • story unfolds
  • events unfold
  • situation unfolds
  • drama unfolds
  • crisis unfolds
Synonyms
  • develop

    broader meaning; can apply to any gradual change or growth, not just events becoming visible

  • evolve

    suggests a longer, more complex process of change over time

  • emerge

    focuses on something coming into view or becoming known, often after being hidden

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

noun phrase (situation/story) + unfold

Usage Note

Always intransitive. The subject is an event, situation, story, or sequence — never a person. The focus is on the process becoming visible to an observer, not on someone actively revealing it.

Common Mistakes

He unfolded the situation to the team.' (using sense 2 transitively)
The situation unfolded before the team.
sense 2 is intransitive; use sense 3 for actively revealing information.

3. to share the full details of a plan, story, or series of events with someone for

3.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to share the full details of a plan, story, or series of events with someone for the first time

Example

During the interview, the director unfolded his plans for the new film.

transitive: unfold + plans, vision, or proposals

Olivia unfolded the details of the surprise party to her closest friends.

pattern: unfold details of [something] to [someone]

Common collocations
  • unfold a plan
  • unfold a story
  • unfold details
  • unfold a vision
  • unfold the sequence of events
Synonyms
  • reveal

    stronger emphasis on making something previously hidden or secret known

  • disclose

    formal register; often used for confidential or official information

  • explain

    focuses on making something understood rather than just telling

  • tell

    simpler and more general; less formal than 'unfold'

Antonyms
  • conceal

    to keep something hidden or secret

  • hide

    simpler, everyday opposite of revealing

Grammar Patterns

unfold + noun phrase (plan/story/details)

Usage Note

Transitive with a human subject. Distinguish from sense 2: here a person actively reveals information; in sense 2 the situation itself gradually becomes clear without anyone making it happen.

Common Mistakes

The story unfolded by the journalist.' (passive misuse)
The journalist unfolded the story.' or 'The story was unfolded by the journalist.
use active transitive or correct passive form.

Word family

  • unfolded
    adjectiveB1
  • unfolding
    adjectiveB2
  • unfolding
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/2

All four words describe gradual change or revelation, but they differ in focus and scope. 'Unfold' is the most visual of the group: it suggests a situation becoming clear as if its layers are being opened one by one, like watching a story or scene come into view. 'Develop' is more neutral and broader — it can be used for any kind of growth or progress (a child develops, a city develops, an idea develops) and does not carry the same 'becoming visible' sense. 'Evolve' implies a longer, organic process with distinct stages of change, often with a sense of increasing complexity. 'Emerge' focuses on the endpoint — something coming into sight or existence after being hidden or unclear. For example: 'The scandal unfolded over several days' (details appear piece by piece); 'The situation developed into a crisis' (gradual worsening); 'Their relationship evolved over many years' (slow transformation); 'The truth emerged after the trial' (sudden appearance after concealment).

unfold ↗develop ↗evolve ↗emerge ↗

Common collocations

Adverbs

Phrases

  • begin to unfold
  • start to unfold
  • continue to unfold
  • watch something unfold

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglish

Formed in Old English as 'unfealdan', from the prefix 'un-' (meaning reversal) and 'fealdan' (to fold). The original meaning was purely physical — to open something that had been folded shut. By the early 1600s, writers began using it figuratively for situations and stories becoming clear, as if their hidden layers were being opened one by one.