Word
uncover
Phoneticsun·cov·er, stress on the second syllable
US/ənˈkəvɝ/
UK/ʌnkˈʌvɐ/
Definitions
01to remove a physical cover
B1 · Intermediate
v. to take a lid, cloth, or other covering off something so you can see what is underneath.
v. to remove a physical covering from an object, exposing its surface or contents.
“He uncovered the dish to show the guests the meal he had prepared.”
“Archaeologists carefully uncovered the mosaic floor, removing layers of sediment that had protected the tiles for centuries.”
02to find out a secret
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to discover something that was hidden or kept secret, like a crime or a truth.
v. to reveal or bring to light information, facts, or activities that were previously hidden or unknown.
Español:destapar
“The police uncovered a plan to steal the famous painting from the museum.”
“The investigative journalist worked for months to uncover the corruption within the local government's housing department.”
03to reveal an identity
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to find out who someone really is, especially if they were hiding their name.
v. to reveal the true identity of a person who is operating under a pseudonym or in disguise.
“The reporter managed to uncover the identity of the anonymous donor.”
“Intelligence agencies spent years attempting to uncover the true identity of the double agent operating within their ranks.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04to expose troops
C2 · Proficiency Military Technical
v. to move soldiers so that the lines behind them can be seen or can fire.
v. to expose lines of troop formations successively by moving the units in front of them to the side.
“The commander ordered the front line to move and uncover the cannons.”
“By wheeling the lead battalion to the left, the general was able to uncover his reserve forces at the critical moment of the engagement.”
05to remove one's hat
C1 · Advanced Formal · Archaic
v. to take off your hat to show respect to someone.
v. to remove one's headgear as a gesture of respect or during a formal ceremony.
“The men uncovered as the funeral procession passed by on the street.”
“It was once standard etiquette for gentlemen to uncover when entering a church or meeting a lady.”
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “uncover” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Then, by carefully examining the similarities and differences between fossil teeth and the teeth of living animals , we can uncover a great deal about animals that lived in the past.” “I work in Saad Bhamla’s lab , where we ask simple questions about nature and uncover the rich physics behind them.” “The technique could help astronauts locate vital water supplies and uncover clues about the origins of Earth’s oceans.” Etymology
From Middle English uncoveren, equivalent to un- + cover.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Domain
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/uncover
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0