Word: Fold

Pronunciation

/fōld/

Definitions

• Noun (n): A part that is bent or folded; a crease made by bending something. Example: “The map had several folds across the cities.”
• Verb (v): To bend or wrap one part of something over another, often to reduce its size or to make it fit compactly. Example: “She carefully folded the letter before putting it in the envelope.”
• Verb (v): To bend one’s body or limbs. Example: “He folded his arms across his chest.”
• Verb (v): In card games, to place one’s cards facedown to indicate that one is not competing further in the current round. Example: “After seeing his opponent’s bet, he decided to fold.”
• Verb (v): To collapse or close something that was open or extended. Example: “The shopkeeper began to fold up the shutters for the night.”
• Noun (n): A layer or level within a group or structure; often used metaphorically. Example: “There are many different folds of society.”
• Noun (n): In poker, a fold refers to giving up or quitting the current hand by placing one’s cards face down on the table.
• Verb (v): To mix or blend ingredients together thoroughly, especially by repeatedly turning one part over another. Example: “She folded the egg whites into the batter gently.”

Phrases

• “Fold one’s hands” means to clasp one’s hands together, often as a gesture of prayer or contemplation.
• “To fold under pressure” means to give in or surrender when faced with difficulty or stress.
• “To be out of the fold” refers to being excluded from a group or community.
• “To join or come back into the fold” means to become part of or return to a group after a period of separation.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The dress had intricate pleats and folds that added dimension to the design.”
• Verb: “She neatly folded the clothes and put them away in the closet.”
• Card Game Usage: “After assessing his poor hand, he chose to fold and wait for a better opportunity.”
• Metaphorical Usage: “In terms of social dynamics, the working class forms a significant fold of our society.”

Synonyms

• Crease
• Bend
• Collapse
• Close
• Wrap
• Integrate (in the context of mixing ingredients)
• Layer
• Tier (in the metaphorical sense)