desdobram

Desdobram is a Portuguese verb form. Specifically, it is the third-person plural present indicative of desdobrar, meaning “they unfold” or “they unfold/expand.” The verb desdobrar covers literal unfolding of a folded object as well as figurative senses such as revealing, developing, or expanding something, including plans, narratives, or sequences. The sense can be literal or figurative, and it is used in both everyday speech and formal writing.

Etymology and meaning: Desdobrar is formed from the prefix des- (undo, reverse) and dobrar (to fold). The combination expresses the act of un-folding an object or idea. Related noun desdobramento refers to the act or result of unfolding or development.

Usage: In everyday Portuguese, desdobram is used with concrete objects, as in “Eles desdobram o mapa sobre a mesa” (they unfold the map on the table). It also appears in figurative contexts: “As possibilidades desdobram-se em várias opções” or “Eles desdobram planos de pesquisa,” meaning they unfold or deploy plans. The reflexive form desdobrar-se is common when describing how someone or something reveals or distributes into multiple aspects, as in “ele desdobra-se em várias áreas.”

Examples:

- Eles desdobram o jornal para ler as notícias.

- Os planos desdobram-se em várias etapas.

See also: Desdobramento, desdobrar, desdobramento técnico.