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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Fold: Meaning, Usage & Examples Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：bend into layers (fold)

fold 🔊

/foʊld/

To bend something, like paper or cloth, so that one part lies on top of another part.

Fold meaning illustrated: hands folding a red paper airplane on a wooden table.

bend into layers 🔊

➕

/bɛnd ˈɪntu ˈleɪərz/

To bend an object so that one part covers another, creating layers.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'fealdan', meaning 'to fold'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of folding a paper airplane to remember the bending action.

📖 Example

Fold the map carefully so it fits into your pocket without tearing. 🔊 Carefully bend the map to fit it into your pocket without tearing.

🔗 Collocations

fold paper – to bend paper into a creased form

fold clothes – to arrange clothes by bending them neatly

fold in half – to bend something so it becomes two equal parts

🔄 Synonyms

bend (v.) – to curve or angle something

crease (v.) – to make a line or fold in something

pleat (v.) – to fold fabric into regular folds

🚫 Antonyms

unfold (v.) – to open or spread out something folded

flatten (v.) – to make something flat and smooth

🌱 Derivatives

folder (n.) – a cover or holder for papers that can be folded

folding (adj.) – capable of being bent or folded

📖 Cultural Story

In modern business English, 'fold' is commonly used to describe a company closing down due to financial difficulties, akin to folding a card hand in poker.

Meaning 2：close down (fold)

fold 🔊

/foʊld/

To fail or close down, especially for a business, when it stops operating due to problems.

Business fold meaning: a closed shop with lights off and a 'Closed' sign.

close down 🔊

➕

/kloʊz daʊn/

To stop operating, especially for a business, due to insurmountable problems.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：中级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The local bookstore might fold next month if they don't get more customers. 🔊 The bookstore may cease operations next month if customer numbers don't increase.

🔗 Collocations

fold under pressure – to fail or give up when facing stress

fold a business – to shut down a company

fold quickly – to fail in a short time

🔄 Synonyms

collapse (v.) – to fall down or fail suddenly

fail (v.) – to not succeed or cease to function

shut down (v.) – to close or stop operations

🚫 Antonyms

succeed (v.) – to achieve desired results or thrive

thrive (v.) – to grow or develop successfully