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"Unveil" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "desvelar", and "unfold" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "desdoblar". Learn more about the difference between "unveil" and "unfold" below.
unveil(
uhn
-
veyl
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g. I bought a book.).
1. (to reveal)
a. desvelar
Our new logo is to be unveiled next week.La semana próxima se desvelará nuestro nuevo logotipo.
b. revelar
In March, the government will unveil its new strategy for tackling climate change.En marzo, el Gobierno revelará su nueva estrategía para combatir el cambio climático.
c. dar a conocer
I wonder how long it will be before our CEO unveils the new airport design.Me pregunto cuánto tiempo tardará nuestro director ejecutivo en dar a conocer el diseño del nuevo aeropuerto.
2. (to uncover ceremonially)
a. desvelar (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
The President will unveil a plaque tomorrow to declare the hospital officially open.Mañana, el presidente desvelará una placa para inaugurar oficialmente el hospital.
b. descubrir
The new portrait of the king will be unveiled at a special ceremony next month.El mes próximo, en una ceremonia especial, se descubrirá el nuevo retrato del rey.
3. (to remove a veil from)
a. quitar el velo a
You can imagine everyone's shock when the groom unveiled the bride only to discover the older sister.Ya puedes imaginar lo estupefactos que se quedaron todos cuando el novio quitó el velo a la novia y apareció la hermana mayor.
unfold(
uhn
-
fold
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g. I bought a book.).
1. (to spread out)
a. desdoblar
My mother unfolded the sheet and started making the bed.Mi madre desdobló la sábana y empezó a hacer la cama.
b. extender
The architect unfolded the blueprint on the table.El arquitecto extendió el plano sobre la mesa.
c. abrir
Ralph had unfolded his newspaper and was about to start reading it when the bell rang.Ralph había abierto su periódico y se disponía a leerlo cuando sonó el timbre.
d. desplegar (wings)
The falcon unfolded its wings and took flight.El halcón desplegó sus alas y emprendió el vuelo.
e. descruzar (one's arms)
Stephanie smiled, unfolded her arms, and gave Miguel a hug.Stephanie sonrió, descruzó los brazos y abrazó a Miguel.
2. (literary) (to reveal)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
a. revelar
She never unfolded her secret to anyone and took it to her grave.Nunca le reveló su secreto a nadie y se lo llevó a la tumba.
b. desvelar
The name of the winners will only be unfolded in the award ceremony.El nombre de los ganadores no será desvelado hasta el acto de entrega de los premios.
c. develar (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
The letters they exchanged over the years unfold the true nature of their relationship.Las cartas que intercambiaron a lo largo de los años develan la verdadera naturaleza de su relación.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g. The man sneezed.).
3. (to spread)
a. desplegarse
The eagle's wings unfolded, and it leapt into flight.Las alas del águila se desplegaron y ella alzó el vuelo.
4. (to stretch)
a. extenderse
The desert unfolded around me, and I lost all sense of direction.El desierto se extendía a mi alrededor y perdí totalmente el sentido de la orientación.
b. desplegarse
The green valley that unfolded before our eyes appeared to be endless.El verde valle que se desplegaba ante nuestros ojos no parecía tener fin.
5. (to be revealed)
a. desarrollarse
The events that unfolded on that tragic day will forever be seared into my memory.Los acontecimientos que se desarrollaron aquel trágico día quedaron grabados en mi memoria para siempre.
