uhn-FOHL-ding
/əˈnfoʊldɪŋ/
unfolding is pronounced uhn-FOHL-ding (/əˈnfoʊldɪŋ/). Unfolding is the gradual revealing or development of events, details, or ideas. It describes something that becomes clear over time, often through explanation, action, or natural progression, rather than being presented all at once. The term emphasizes process, growth, and emergence from potential into actuality.
Unfolding is the gradual revealing or development of events, details, or ideas. It describes something that becomes clear over time, often through explanation, action, or natural progression, rather than being presented all at once. The term emphasizes process, growth, and emergence from potential into actuality.
"The unfolding mystery kept readers hooked through each chapter."
"As the plan unfolds, the team adapts to new information."
"Her story is compelling as the truth is slowly unfolding."
You say /ˌʌnˈfoʊldɪŋ/ in US English, with primary stress on FOLD. Break it as un- + FOLD + -ing. Start with a short 'uh' /ʌ/, then the stressed /foʊl/ as in 'fold', followed by a softly enunciated /-ɪŋ/. In UK English the same rhythm applies: /ˌʌnˈfəʊldɪŋ/, with the vowel in the first syllable similar, but the second syllable uses /əʊ/ for the 'o' sound. For Australian English, it’s /ˌənˈfəʊldɪŋ/ or /ˌʌnˈfəʊldɪŋ/, often with a slightly more centralized second syllable but still the same syllabic stress on FOLD.
Common errors: 1) Misplacing stress on the first syllable (un-FOLD-ing vs un-fold-ING). 2) Slurring the /foʊl/ into /foːl/ or mispronouncing the vowel as /ɒ/ or /ɑː/. 3) Final -ing pronounced as /ɪn/ in fast speech instead of /ɪŋ/. Correction: emphasize the /ˈfoʊld/ cluster with a clear long /oʊ/ vowel, keep /l/ light but present, and end with a crisp /-ɪŋ/ after a brief pause or light lift from the /d/.
US: /ˌʌnˈfoʊldɪŋ/ with rhotic /ɹ/ not involved; strong /oʊ/ in FOLD. UK: /ˌʌnˈfəʊldɪŋ/ with /əʊ/ diphthong; non-rhotic but /l/ clearer in some dialects. AU: /ˌənˈfōldiŋ/ or /ˌənˈfəʊldɪŋ/; vowels tend to be broader and can reduce the first syllable more; /ɹ/ not pronounced. In all, the key is the stressed /foʊl/ vs /fəʊl/ vowel quality and the final -ing pronounced clearly, not swallowed.
Difficulties center on the mid-diphthong /oʊ/ in FOLD, the smooth /ld/ cluster, and the final /ɪŋ/. The transition from /foʊl/ to /dɪŋ/ requires timing: keep the /l/ light, avoid inserting an extra vowel before /d/, and ensure the /ɪŋ/ is not reduced to a nasalized schwa. Additionally, speakers may over-emphasize the second syllable or flatten the 'un-' leading to /ʌnˈfoʊlɪŋ/; maintain the unstressed first syllable and clear /ɪŋ/.
A distinctive feature is the stress on the second syllable and the precise mouth positioning for /foʊld/—particularly keeping the /l/ light and letting the long /oʊ/ glide into /d/. Also, ensure that the final /ɪŋ/ is not shortened in rapid speech; keep it as a clear nasal syllable. The combination /ˌʌnˈfoʊldɪŋ/ creates a characteristic rise from a lax initial to a strong inflected middle, before a crisp terminal -ing.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "unfolding"!
Unfolding derives from unfold, from Old English unfaldnian (to unfold, unfold, spread out), formed from un- (opposite/negation or reversal) + faldan (to fold). The root faldan appears in many Germanic languages, relating to folding or bending. Over time, English extended unfold from a literal sense of unrolling or spreading out to more abstract meanings: to reveal gradually, to develop a plot, or to disclose information. The phrase unfolding event or process emerged in modern usage to describe dynamic progression, especially in narrative or investigative contexts. First attested senses in Middle English texts referred to physically unfolding objects, then metaphorical uses broadened in Early Modern English as ideas, plans, and stories began to “unfold” in a sequential, unfolding manner. The noun form unfolding appears in late 17th to 18th centuries in literary and scientific discourse, capturing the sense of a sequence becoming clear.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "unfolding" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "unfolding" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "unfolding" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "unfolding"
-ing sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
