reveal
ri-VEEL
/rɪˈviːl/
To make known something previously secret or hidden; or the dramatic moment when secret information is disclosed.
Highlights a dramatic transition from mystery to public clarity.
The story behind the word. From Latin 're-' (back/un-) and 'velare' (to cover with a veil). It literally means pulling back the veil to show what was hidden underneath.
Word relationships
- disclose: Disclose sounds formal or legal; reveal carries more emotional impact and dramatic surprise.
- unveil: Unveil specifically means removing a cover; reveal covers making any hidden fact known.
- conceal: To hide or keep secret from others.
- hide: To prevent something from being seen or known.
Commonly confused with
- revel: 'Revel' means to celebrate boisterously, while 'reveal' means to uncover or disclose.
Word family
- revelation (noun): A surprising and previously unknown fact that has been disclosed.
- revealing (adjective): Making interesting or significant information known.
Collocations
- gender reveal
- big reveal
- dramatic reveal
- reveal a secret
Example sentences
- "The big reveal happened when blue confetti burst out of the giant balloon." Gender reveal event
- "Ultrasound images revealed that they were expecting twins." General disclosure
Memory hook
REVEAL is removing the VEIL. Pulling back the veil.
When not to use
Do not use for everyday casual statements where no secrecy or surprise was involved.
Fun facts
- Gender reveal parties became a global cultural phenomenon around 2008 following early viral videos on social media.
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