unfold

unfold — verb

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

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞
  • fold

    the direct opposite: to bend something over on itself

  • fold up

    phrasal verb meaning to fold into a smaller shape

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

❌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.動詞不及物B2
釋義

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

例句

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.

同義詞
  • 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

反義詞

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

❌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.動詞及物B2
釋義

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

例句

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]

同義詞
  • 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'

反義詞
  • conceal

    to keep something hidden or secret

  • hide

    simpler, everyday opposite of revealing

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.

常見錯誤

❌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.