revelation
rev-uh-LAY-shun
/ˌrevəˈleɪʃn/
The disclosure of secret, hidden, or divine knowledge to human beings.
Implies dramatic uncovering of truth that was previously hidden by a veil of ignorance.
The story behind the word. Comes directly from Latin 'revelare', formed from 're-' (expressing reversal) and 'velum' (a veil or cloth curtain). Literally, a revelation is the physical pulling back of a heavy cloth veil to show what was sitting behind it.
Word relationships
- disclosure: Disclosure is legal or formal unveiling of information, while revelation carries dramatic, emotional, or spiritual power.
- epiphany: Epiphany is an internal personal lightning-bolt realization, whereas revelation often comes from an external or divine source.
- concealment: Concealment is the act of hiding information or keeping it secret.
- suppression: Suppression is preventing truth from being made known.
Commonly confused with
- revolution: Revolution is the overthrow of a system; revelation is the uncovering of hidden truth.
Word family
- reveal (verb): To disclose or make hidden things known.
- revelatory (adjective): Providing surprising or disclosing insight.
Collocations
- divine revelation
- shocking revelation
- revelation of truth
- moment of revelation
Example sentences
- "The discovery of the lost letters came as a stunning revelation that reshaped how historians viewed the war." Historical Narrative
- "Many religions are built around divine revelation communicated through prophets." Theological Essay
Memory hook
REVELATION = RE-VEIL-ation: removing the VEIL from hidden truth. Pulling back the veil.
When not to use
Do not use for trivial news or mundane minor facts.
Fun facts
- The last book of the Christian New Testament is titled Revelation, originating from the Greek word 'Apokalupsis', which also means pulling off a cover.
Related words
Explore more words
epiphany, disclosure, disclose, initiation, enlightenment, breakthrough
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