Word
unfolded
Phoneticsun·fold·ed, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈfoʊɫdɪd/
UK/ʌnfˈəʊldɪd/
Definition
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.
Examples
“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.”
Examples
simple
“We watched as the drama unfolded on the news.”
contextual
“The police waited for several hours to see how the hostage situation unfolded before taking action.”
complex
“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.
Real-World Examples
“That unusual arrangement suggests the planet's history may have unfolded very differently from the histories of other giant planets.” “We have documented what we could as events unfolded.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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