Unfold into Meaning in English

expression

US

ənˈfoʊɫd/ /ˈɪntu/, /ɪnˈtu/, /ɪntə

uhn-FOHLD IN-too / uhn-FOHLD in-TOO / uhn-FOHLD IN-tuh

UK

ʌnfˈəʊld/ /ˈɪntʊ

un-FOHLD IN-tuh

Definition

To gradually become something different or develop into a new form over time.

Usage & Nuances

Used in both literal (something physically unfolding and becoming something else) and figurative (ideas, situations, emotions) senses. Common in formal, descriptive, or creative writing—rare in casual conversation. Often followed by what the thing is becoming (e.g., 'unfold into a beautiful scene'). Avoid with concrete, unchanging things.

• Spanish: convertirse en - desarrollarse en
• Portuguese (BR): transformar-se em - desdobrar-se em
• Portuguese (PT): desenvolver-se em - transformar-se em
• Chinese (Simplified): 演变成 - 展开成
• Chinese (Traditional): 演變成 - 展開成
• Hindi: में बदल जाना - में रूपांतरित होना
• Arabic: يتحوّل إلى - يتطور إلى
• Bengali: পরিকল্পিতভাবে পরিবর্তিত হয়ে যাওয়া - ধাপে ধাপে রূপান্তরিত হওয়া
• Russian: постепенно превращаться - развёртываться в
• Japanese: 徐々に変化する - 次第に発展する
• Vietnamese: dần dần trở thành - phát triển thành
• Korean: 점차 변화하다 - 서서히 발전하다
• Turkish: zamanla dönüşmek - yavaşça gelişmek
• Urdu: بتدریج بدل جانا - آہستہ آہستہ کچھ اور بن جانا
• Indonesian: berkembang menjadi - perlahan-lahan berubah menjadi

Example Sentences

The caterpillar will unfold into a butterfly.

basic

Daydreams can sometimes unfold into real ideas.

basic

Our plans may unfold into something bigger than we expect.

basic

Sometimes, a small conversation can unfold into a lifelong friendship.

natural

Over time, his hobby unfolded into a successful business.

natural

This short film really unfolds into something beautiful at the end.

natural