reveal
B2Neutral to formal. Common in written and spoken English across contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To make known something that was previously secret, hidden, or unknown.
To cause or allow something to be seen that was previously covered or not visible; to unveil or disclose information, feelings, or physical objects.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies an intentional or controlled act of disclosure. Can be used for abstract information (plans, truth) or physical objects (a painting, a view). The noun form 'revelation' is stronger, often for surprising or profound disclosures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Spelling and grammar are identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in formal/journalistic contexts in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally common and used in identical ways in both BrE and AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] reveal [NP] (He revealed the plan.)[NP] reveal [that]-clause (The report revealed that costs had doubled.)[NP] reveal [wh]-clause (She wouldn't reveal where she'd been.)[NP] reveal [NP] to [NP] (He revealed his doubts to his colleague.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Reveal one's hand (to show one's intentions or resources, often in negotiations)”
- “Reveal all (to tell everything, especially private details)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for announcing financial results, strategic plans, or market research findings (e.g., 'The audit revealed discrepancies in the accounts').
Academic
Common in reporting research results or analysis (e.g., 'The data reveals a significant correlation').
Everyday
Used for telling secrets, news, or showing something (e.g., 'Can you reveal who gave you the present?').
Technical
In computing/UI: to show hidden interface elements (e.g., 'Click to reveal the advanced settings'). In construction: the exposed part of a window or door frame.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The minister will reveal the budget plans next Tuesday.
- The curtains opened to reveal a stunning stage set.
- He refused to reveal his sources to the committee.
American English
- The CEO revealed the new product lineup at the keynote.
- Tests revealed high levels of lead in the water.
- She finally revealed where she got that amazing dress.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form. Use 'revealingly'.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. Use 'revealingly'.)
adjective
British English
- The reveal moment in the film was spoiled for me.
- (Note: 'Reveal' as an attributive adjective is rare and mostly journalistic/niche.)
American English
- The reveal scene in the finale was shocking.
- (Note: As above, limited use, often related to media/mysteries.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please don't reveal my surprise birthday party!
- The magician revealed the rabbit under the hat.
- The investigation revealed several safety problems.
- She opened the box to reveal a beautiful necklace.
- The leaked documents revealed how the decision was made.
- His tone of voice revealed his true feelings about the proposal.
- The biography reveals the subject's profound insecurities beneath a confident exterior.
- Advanced imaging techniques revealed hitherto unknown layers of the ancient painting.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of taking off a VEIL. RE-VEAL = to remove the veil from something, making it visible or known.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING / INFORMATION IS A HIDDEN OBJECT (to reveal is to make something visible to the mind's eye).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'revise' (пересматривать) или 'revive' (возрождать).
- Не всегда равно 'рассказывать' (to tell). 'Reveal' подчеркивает, что информация была скрыта.
- В техническом контексте (строительство) 'reveal' — это откос, углубление (непереводимый термин).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *He revealed me the secret. Correct: He revealed the secret to me. / He told me the secret.
- Incorrect: *The document reveals about the problem. Correct: The document reveals the problem. / The document talks about the problem.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'reveal' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but common in formal contexts. In very casual speech, people might say 'tell', 'show', or 'spill the beans' instead.
'Reveal' implies that what is made visible was previously hidden or unknown. 'Show' is more general and doesn't carry this implication of prior secrecy (e.g., 'He showed me his car' vs. 'He revealed he had a secret car').
Yes, especially in media and design (e.g., 'the big reveal at the end of the show', 'the door reveal' in architecture). As a noun, it's more informal/colloquial than the verb.
Using a double object incorrectly (e.g., *'He revealed me the truth'). The correct pattern is 'reveal something to someone' (He revealed the truth to me).