unfolded
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ənˈfoʊɫdɪd// UK //ʌnfˈəʊldɪd// un·fold·ed
v. to happen or develop over time. You use this to describe how a story, a plan, or a situation slowly becomes clear as it continues.
v. to develop or happen gradually; to reveal itself over a period of time. Often describes the progression of a narrative, event, or sequence of facts.
We watched as the drama unfolded on the news.
The police waited for several hours to see how the hostage situation unfolded before taking action.
As the investigation unfolded, it became increasingly apparent that the initial findings were merely the tip of a much larger and more complex conspiracy.
Usage
Intransitive when describing events happening; transitive when physically opening something folded.