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uncover
/ʌnˈkʌvər/
to reveal or discover something hidden
The journalist worked hard to uncover the truth behind the scandal.
The journalist revealed hidden information about the scandal.
general
to discover or reveal something that was previously hidden or unknown
Scientists uncovered a new species of deep-sea creature.
Scientists discovered a previously unknown deep-sea species.
The detective uncovered evidence that proved the suspect's innocence.
The detective revealed evidence that showed the suspect was not guilty.
Often used in contexts involving investigation, research, or discovery.
general
to remove a covering from something
She uncovered the table to prepare for dinner.
She removed the cloth covering the table to set it for dinner.
Literal meaning, less common than the figurative sense.
Collocations
uncover the truthreveal hidden factsuncover a secretdiscover something kept hiddenuncover evidencefind or reveal proof
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Uncover' is often used in contexts involving investigation, research, or discovery. It can also be used literally to mean removing a covering.
Gold Rule
Figurative vs. Literal
While 'uncover' can mean to remove a physical covering, it is more commonly used in a figurative sense to mean revealing hidden information.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'uncoveren', from 'un-' (not) + 'coveren' (to cover). The word has been used since the 14th century.
Usage Notes
The verb 'uncover' is often used in investigative contexts, such as journalism, law enforcement, or scientific research. It can also be used literally to mean removing a covering.
Word Breakdown
un-
not, opposite of
prefixcover
to place something over or on top of
rootEnglish Dictionary