Spanish word

desenvolver

Pronunciation

IPA/desembolˈβeɾ/

Meaning

  • verbunwrap

Example

¿Puedes desenvolver el regalo?

Can you unwrap the gift?

Illustration for desenvolver (unwrap)

More examples

Ella empezó a desenvolver el paquete en la mesa.

She began to unwrap the package on the table.

Core concept

Package cover being pulled back to reveal the item inside.

Common phrases

  • desenvolver el regalo

    unwrap the gift

  • desenvolver un caramelo

    unwrap a candy

  • desenvolver un paquete

    unwrap a package

Similar words

desempaquetar: Removing items from a box or package to access the contents.
quitar: Removing a cover, attachment, or layer that sits on top of an object.
abrir: Opening a container or flap so the interior can be seen or reached.
desatar: Untying a knot or tie to open a bag, bundle, or wrapped parcel.

Definition in Spanish

Quitar el envoltorio o la cobertura de algo para mostrar o sacar lo que hay dentro.

Word origin

Built from des- 'off' plus envolver 'to wrap' (from Latin involvere), so the verb denotes taking off a wrapping to show what is inside.

Usage tips

  • Primarily a physical action in Spanish, so for nonliteral senses like 'unpack an idea' speakers use verbs such as explicar or analizar rather than desenvolver.

Opposites

Related words

  • desenvueltoself-assuredadjective
  • desenvolversemanageverb

Word lists with this word