unfold
/ʌnˈfəʊld/ (bre, ipa) · /ʌnˈfəʊld/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌən-ˈfōld/ (ame, mw)
unfold — verb
- unfoldpresent simple I / you / we / they
- unfoldshe / she / it
- unfoldedpast simple
- unfolding-ing form
1. to take something that was previously folded and make it lie flat by opening its
to take something that was previously folded and make it lie flat by opening its folds or sections
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.
Wei carefully unfolded the letter from his grandmother and read it again.
These folding chairs unfold in seconds and lock firmly into place.
Christopher unfolded the blanket and spread it across the grass for the picnic.
- 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
文法句型
unfold + noun phrase (transitive)
noun phrase + unfold (intransitive)
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
2. to happen or develop gradually so that people can see or understand the full pic
to happen or develop gradually so that people can see or understand the full picture
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.
The political crisis unfolded over several weeks, with new details appearing each day.
Hassan watched the events unfold on the news, unable to look away from the screen.
The story of how they met unfolded during dinner, surprising everyone at the table.
- remain unclear
when information or events stay hidden or confusing
文法句型
noun phrase (situation/story) + unfold
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
3. to share the full details of a plan, story, or series of events with someone for
to share the full details of a plan, story, or series of events with someone for the first time
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]
The detective slowly unfolded the sequence of events that led to the robbery.
Renata unfolded her vision for the project during the team meeting.
Cyrus unfolded the whole story to his mother after years of keeping it secret.
文法句型
unfold + noun phrase (plan/story/details)
用法筆記
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.