v. un·fold·ed, un·fold·ing, un·folds v.tr. 1. To open and spread out (something folded); extend. 2. To remove the coverings from; disclose to view: unfold a package. 3. To reveal gradually by written or spoken explanation; make known: "He unfolded his tale of woe: the descriptions of poverty and the great distance they had traveled, the abuses they had suffered, the injustice of it all" (Robert Rosenberg). v.intr. 1. a. To become spread out; open out: Spring flowers unfolded everywhere. b. To develop or occur as a series of events or stages: "The trial unfolded in an imposing, high-ceilinged courtroom in Westminster Hall" (Adam Hochschild). 2. To be revealed gradually to the understanding: A solution to the problem unfolded as they spoke. un·foldment n. |
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