verb / noun
reveal
rih-VEEL/rɪˈviːl/
To make something hidden known or visible.
The curator reveals the painted vase by drawing back its covering cloth.
Etymology
With re- probably reversing the act of covering, the original image is unveiling. Removing a covering supplies the connection to making something visible—or making previously hidden information known.
In context
turquoise lagoons remain clear enough to reveal the seabed.
More examples
- The test results reveal the cause of the problem.
- He revealed his plans only to his closest friends.
- The designer saves the finished room for the big reveal.
Forms
reveal · reveals · revealed · revealing
revelation noun — The disclosure of previously hidden information.
revealing adjective — Making previously hidden facts or qualities apparent.
Similar words
- disclose
- Usually concerns private information rather than something physically hidden.
- uncover
- Often emphasizes finding something hidden through searching or investigation.
- unveil
- Often suggests formally presenting something new to the public.