Unfurl vs. unfold: what’s the difference?
The short answer
The word unfurl is often used in the context of opening or spreading out something that can roll or was rolled, such as a flag or sail, and usually suggests a physical action. Unfold can be used both physically and metaphorically, often for paper, fabric, events, or stories, to mean spreading something out or revealing more information.
What they have in common
Both unfurl and unfold involve opening, spreading out, or revealing something that was previously closed or wrapped.
Examples
unfurl
- The sailor unfurled the sails as the wind picked up.
- The flag was unfurled at the beginning of the ceremony.
unfold
- She unfolded the map to get a better view.
- As the story unfolds, the truth is gradually revealed.
Which one is more common?
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