unfurl

/ʌn'fə:l/

Friendly

Word: Unfurl

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To "unfurl" means to unroll, unfold, or spread something out that was previously rolled up or folded. This action often makes something visible that was hidden or tightly packed.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "unfurl" when talking about flags, banners, sails, or anything that can be rolled or folded and then opened up.
• It can also be used in a more figurative sense, such as when ideas or emotions are revealed.

Examples:

1. Literal Use: "The captain ordered the crew to unfurl the sails as the ship set out to sea."
2. Figurative Use: "As she spoke about her dreams, her passion seemed to unfurl like a flower blooming."

Advanced Usage:

In literature, "unfurl" can describe the gradual revealing of thoughts or feelings, adding depth to a character's development. For example, "As the story progressed, her past began to unfurl, revealing the challenges she had faced."

Word Variants:

• Unfurled (adjective): Describing something that has been opened or spread out. Example: "The unfurled banner caught everyone's attention."
• Unfurling (noun): The act of unfurling. Example: "The unfurling of the flag signaled the start of the ceremony."

Different Meanings:

While "unfurl" mostly pertains to physical actions of unrolling or unfolding, it can also imply the gradual revelation of something, such as emotions or ideas.

Synonyms:

• Unroll
• Unfold
• Spread
• Bloom (in a figurative sense)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren’t specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "unfurl," but you might encounter phrases like "unfurling one's wings," which suggests someone is showing their potential or capabilities.

Summary:

"Unfurl" is a versatile word that can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Academic

Verb

1. unroll, unfold, or spread out or be unrolled, unfolded, or spread out from a furled state
   • unfurl a banner

Synonyms

• unroll