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reveal
/rɪˈviːl/
to make something known or visible
The magician will reveal his secret trick at the end of the show.
The magician will disclose his secret trick at the end of the show.
general
to make something known or visible that was previously hidden or secret
The detective revealed the truth about the case.
The detective disclosed the truth about the case.
Can be used both literally and figuratively.
general
to uncover or expose something, often with a sense of surprise or importance
The new study revealed surprising results.
The new study uncovered surprising results.
Often used in contexts where information is disclosed for the first time.
Collocations
reveal the truthto disclose the truthreveal a secretto disclose a secretreveal one's feelingsto express one's feelings
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
Use 'reveal' when you want to emphasize the act of making something known that was previously hidden or secret.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
In formal contexts, 'reveal' is often used to describe the disclosure of important information, while in informal contexts, it can be used more casually.
Word Origin
From Middle English revelen, from Old French reveler, from Latin revelare, from re- (again) + velare (to cover).
Usage Notes
Can be used both literally (e.g., revealing a hidden object) and figuratively (e.g., revealing a secret). Often used in formal and informal contexts.
Word Breakdown
re-
again
prefix-veal
to uncover or make visible
rootEnglish Dictionary