Word
fold
Meanings
To bend something so that one part lies on top of another, often to make it smaller or neater.
To close or collapse something with joints so it becomes compact.
A crease or layer formed when something is bent over on itself.
Definition
To fold means to bend something so one part lies over another, or to make it into a smaller, neater shape.
To fold is to bend paper, fabric, or another material so that one section covers another section. People fold things to make them easier to store, carry, or organize. The word can also mean to close something that has moving parts, like a chair or a table, or to move your arms so they rest across your body.
Examples
- Please fold the towels and put them in the closet.
- I can fold this map back into its original shape.
- She stopped to fold the letter, then slipped it into an envelope.
- He likes to fold his arms when he’s thinking.
- We need to fold the table before loading it into the car.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "fold up" in every context, but often simple "fold" is more natural (e.g., "Fold the towels," not always "Fold up the towels").
More verbs
- analyze To examine something carefully in order to understand it or explain it.
- scrutinize To scrutinize something is to examine it very carefully and in detail.
- affect To affect something is to influence it or cause it to change.
- allude To allude means to mention or suggest something indirectly without saying it clearly.
- elude To elude someone or something is to avoid being caught, understood, or remembered.