Unfolding: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'unfold' comes from the Old English 'unfaldan', meaning 'to spread out'.
• It combines 'un-' (not) with 'fold', which indicates the action of making something flat or smooth.

Literature

• 'Unfolding' is often used in narratives to describe the gradual revealing of the plot or character development.
• In poetry, it can symbolize emotional or spiritual growth as ideas and feelings are expressed layer by layer.

Art

• In visual arts, 'unfolding' can describe the process of creating layers and textures, inviting viewers to discover hidden elements.
• 'Origami' is an art form that literally transforms folded paper into intricate designs, showcasing how forms can unfold into beauty.

Psychology

• The concept of 'unfolding' can relate to personal development, where individuals undergo layers of self-discovery throughout their lives.
• Therapeutic sessions often involve 'unfolding' a person's experiences, helping them understand and process their emotions.

Nature

• Plants 'unfold' as they grow; for example, fern fronds curl up and then open into beautiful shapes.
• Cocooned caterpillars undergo a transformation called metamorphosis, and when they 'unfold', they emerge as butterflies.

Ranked #11,586, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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• 11583 bends
• 11584 tavern
• 11585 glacier
• 11586 unfolding
• 11587 subjectivity
• 11588 rebuild
• 11589 interpretive
• ...