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Unfolding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unfolding

[ʌnˈfoʊldɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

physical action

Unfolding refers to the action of spreading out something that was previously folded, making it flat or visible. This term is commonly used for paper, fabric, or any material that can be bent or creased. In a broader sense, it can also refer to revealing or disclosing information that was hidden or not previously apparent. The process of unfolding can be both literal and metaphorical, such as unfolding a story or revealing the layers of a complex idea.

Synonyms

expand, open, reveal, spread.

Examples of usage

  • She began unfolding the map.
  • He unfolded the origami crane carefully.
  • The plot of the novel is unfolding gradually.
  • Unfold the blanket and spread it on the grass.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'unfolding'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'unfolding' is derived from the Middle English 'unfolden', which is a combination of the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'the opposite of', and 'folden', which comes from Old English 'fealdan'. This etymology captures the essence of the word; to 'unfold' literally means to do the opposite of folding. The action of folding something typically connotes compactness or concealment, while unfolding connotes expansion or revelation. Throughout the centuries, the term has been employed in various contexts, from the literal unfolding of physical objects, like paper and clothing, to the more abstract notion of unfolding ideas, plans, and narratives. Today, 'unfolding' is utilized in both everyday language and in specialized fields such as literature, where it describes the development of plot and character, and in science, to describe processes that progress or reveal as they occur.

Word Frequency Rank

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