noun / proper noun

revelation

rev-uh-LAY-shun/ˌrɛvəˈleɪʃn/

The disclosure of previously hidden knowledge.

Opening the cupboard brings a surprising revelation: her missing cake is inside.

A Latina adult opens a cupboard and discovers her missing birthday cake hidden inside; her eyes widen while a South Asian friend beside her reacts in surprise. The open door makes the previously hidden cake visible. No lettering or numerals on the cake.

Etymology

reLatinback; probably reversal here

+velLatinto cover, veil

+ationLatinaction or process

The prefix probably reverses the idea of covering, making revelation an act of unveiling. What was hidden becomes known: first a disclosure, then a particularly striking or surprising truth.

In context

The Week I Review11:50

the film doesn't put nearly as much weight into that revelation as it should

Spiral learned the wrong lessons from Saw | Movie Review

More examples

The reporter's revelations lead to an investigation.
She believes divine revelation guides her understanding of sacred truth.
Our Bible study group reads Revelation, the New Testament's final book.

Forms

revelation · revelations

reveal verb — To make previously hidden information known.

revelatory adjective — Making something previously unknown newly clear.

Similar words

disclosure: Emphasizes making information known, without necessarily implying surprise.
discovery: Emphasizes finding something rather than having information revealed.