English Reference
noun

revelation

n.
US /ˌɹɛvəˈɫeɪʃən/ UK /ɹˌɛvɪlˈeɪʃən/ rev·e·la·tion UK spelling revelation's, revelation's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a surprising fact that people didn't know before.

    the disclosure of information that was previously secret or unknown, especially when it is shocking or unexpected.

    Simple

    The revelation that the company was losing money shocked the investors.

    In context

    The journalist's latest revelation regarding the senator's private business dealings sparked an immediate ethics investigation.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal Religion

    a message or truth that comes from a god.

    the communication of divine truth or knowledge to humanity by a deity or through supernatural means.

    Simple

    The prophet claimed to have received a divine revelation in the desert.

    In context

    Theologians spent centuries debating the nature of the revelation and its implications for modern religious practice.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Formal Religion

    the last book of the Christian Bible.

    the final book of the New Testament, containing prophecies about the end of the world.

    Simple

    The Book of Revelation contains many famous and mysterious symbols.

    In context

    Scholars often compare the apocalyptic imagery in Revelation to other contemporary Jewish and Christian writings.

    Usage

    Usually capitalized as 'Revelation' or 'the Book of Revelation'.

The most high profile row around the Reform UK leader relates to the revelation that shortly before the 2024 general election, he secretly received £5m from the Thailand-based crypto-billionaire and Reform donor Christopher Harborne.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

The revelations are likely to be embarrassing for Charles and William, both of whom have cultivated reputations as environmental advocates.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

Proprialization from revelation. The translation decisions, from the original Greek to the conventional English choices Revelation and Apocalypse, are covered by Wikipedia at Book of Revelation § Title, authorship, and date.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated