ENGLISH
REFERENCE

uncover

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ənˈkəvɝ// UK //ʌnkˈʌvɐ// un·cov·er

v. to find or reveal something that was hidden or secret. You use this when you remove a cover or discover a truth that nobody knew about.

v. to remove a covering from something or to reveal information previously kept secret. Transitive; requires a direct object.


SIMPLE

The archaeologists hope to uncover ancient ruins.

CONTEXTUAL

The journalist worked for months to uncover the truth behind the government's secret spending.

COMPLEX

Investigators managed to uncover a sophisticated network of shell companies designed to hide the true origins of the stolen funds.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English uncoveren, equivalent to un- + cover.

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Often used in investigative or physical contexts.

Pitfall

The truth uncovered yesterday.The truth was uncovered yesterday.When the subject is the thing being revealed, the passive voice is required; otherwise, the sentence implies the truth performed the action.

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