Opens up something that was folded; or reveals something gradually (like a story or mystery).
From Old English 'unfealdan,' combining 'un-' (prefix meaning to reverse) and 'fold' (from Proto-Germanic 'faltaz'). Used in literal sense for centuries, then extended to narrative and revelation around the 1500s.
Writers love the word 'unfolds' because it works perfectly for both literal unfolding and metaphorical revelation—which is why mysteries always seem to 'unfold' before us, like the story is a piece of origami being slowly opened.
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