Word
reveal
Phoneticsre·veal, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈviɫ/
UK/ɹɪvˈiːl/
Definitions
01to show something hidden
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to let something be seen that was hidden before.
v. to uncover or display something that was previously obscured from view. Transitive — requires a direct object.
“The magician pulled back the cloth to reveal an empty cage.”
“As the morning mist cleared, the rising sun began to reveal the jagged peaks of the mountain range that had been hidden all night.”
02to share a secret
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
v. to tell people a piece of information that was a secret.
v. to make previously unknown information public or known to others. Often used in academic or journalistic contexts regarding data or investigations.
“The company will reveal its new smartphone design at the conference tomorrow.”
“The study revealed a significant correlation between sleep quality and cognitive performance in older adults, challenging previous assumptions in the field.”
03a surprise discovery
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. the moment when something hidden is finally shown to people.
n. the final disclosure of information or the physical uncovering of a project, often for dramatic effect.
“The big reveal at the end of the movie shocked the entire audience.”
“After months of renovation, the grand reveal of the hotel lobby exceeded the expectations of the investors and the local press alike.”
Synonyms
04window or door frame
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical
n. the part of a wall that shows around a window or door frame.
n. the side of an opening for a window or door between the frame and the outer surface of the wall.
“The architect chose to paint the window reveal a different colour to add depth.”
“The deep reveals of the cathedral windows create dramatic shadows that change throughout the afternoon.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “reveal” in context.
Verb
01. reveal aspect
“The interview helped reveal an aspect of his personality we hadn't seen before.”
verb + noun
02. reveal association
“The study failed to reveal any association between the two variables.”
verb + noun
03. reveal correlation
“The statistics reveal a strong correlation between education and income levels.”
verb + noun
04. reveal detail
“The witness was asked to reveal every detail of the incident.”
verb + noun
05. reveal difference
“A closer look at the data will reveal a significant difference in performance.”
verb + noun
06. reveal effect
“Long-term monitoring will reveal the effect of the new policy on the economy.”
verb + noun
07. reveal evidence
“The excavation did not reveal any evidence of ancient settlements.”
verb + noun
Noun
08. analysis reveal
“The chemical analysis revealed that the water was contaminated.”
noun + verb
09. data reveal
“Recent data reveal a sharp increase in the cost of living.”
noun + verb
10. finding reveal
“The latest finding reveals that the planet may be older than previously thought.”
noun + verb
11. research reveal
“New research reveals that regular exercise can improve memory in older adults.”
noun + verb
Adverb
12. clearly reveal
“The satellite images clearly reveal the extent of the forest fire damage.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“The Irish Independent reveals the Government is set to go ahead with an increase in fuel prices in September.” “Cat, Linda and Razzell's daughter, said her father's decision not to reveal the location of her mother's body meant there was "no peace" for the family.” Etymology
From Middle English revēlen, from Old French reveler, from Latin revēlāre (“to reveal, uncover”), from re- (“back, again”) + vēlāre (“to cover”), from vēlum (“a cloth, covering, curtain, veil, awning, sail”) (whence also English veil, English unveil, English voile, Russian вуаль (vualʹ), Russian завуали́ровать (zavualírovatʹ, “to veil”) (compare typologically)). Also compare typologically English uncloak, dismantle, divest, invest, unmask, Russian разобла́чать (razobláčatʹ) (akin to облаче́ние (oblačénije), срыва́ть покро́вы (sryvátʹ pokróvy) (покро́в (pokróv, “cover, covering”)).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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