How to pronounce unfold
Say it like un-FOHLD. Unfold has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FOHLD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce unfold. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- un
- FOHLD
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Unfold pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FOHLDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of unfold
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: un-FOHLD.
What does unfold mean?
- To undo a folding.“to unfold a map; to unfold a tablecloth; She unpacks the new dress and unfolds it carefully.”
- To become unfolded.“The curtains unfolded to reveal the stage.”
- To turn out; to happen; to develop.“Events unfolded in an unexpected way.”
- To release from a fold or pen.“to unfold sheep”
- In functional programming, a kind of higher-order function that is the opposite of a fold.
Where does unfold come from?
From Middle English unfolden, from Old English unfealdan (“to unfold”), equivalent to un- + fold.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with unfold
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of unfold.
Questions about saying unfold
How do you pronounce unfold?
Say un-FOHLD. The American pronunciation is /ənˈfoʊld/. In British English it is /ʌnˈfəʊld/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in unfold?
Unfold has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FOHLD). Broken into parts: un · FOHLD.
Is unfold pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ʌnˈfəʊld/ (un-FOHLD).