unveiling
B2Formal to neutral; common in news, business, academic, and ceremonial contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The act of revealing or presenting something for the first time, often in a formal or ceremonial manner.
Can also refer to the moment of making something publicly known, understood, or visible, especially after a period of secrecy or preparation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a deliberate, often planned revelation. Can be used literally (removing a physical veil/covering) or metaphorically (revealing information, plans, or a new product).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is nearly identical. Slight preference in UK for formal/official contexts (e.g., royal unveiling). US may use it more in corporate/product launch contexts.
Connotations
Both carry connotations of ceremony, importance, and a staged/public reveal.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
unveiling of [OBJECT]unveiling at [LOCATION]unveiling by [AGENT]unveiling to [AUDIENCE]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lift the veil on (similar concept)”
- “pull back the curtain”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The CEO presided over the unveiling of the company's new five-year strategy.
Academic
The conference featured the unveiling of a groundbreaking theory on quantum mechanics.
Everyday
We're planning a small unveiling of the new garden patio for our neighbours.
Technical
The software update included the unveiling of a new security protocol.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The mayor will unveil the plaque at noon.
- The artist refuses to unveil her work before the exhibition.
American English
- The company unveiled its new electric truck.
- The senator unveiled a sweeping healthcare plan.
adjective
British English
- The unveiling ceremony was attended by hundreds.
- We await the unveiling date with great interest.
American English
- The unveiling event will be live-streamed.
- The unveiling process was kept tightly under wraps.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There was an unveiling of the new school mural.
- The unveiling of the picture was a surprise.
- The museum announced the unveiling of a rare Egyptian artifact.
- The book's cover design will be shown at its unveiling next week.
- The politician's speech contained the unveiling of a controversial new policy.
- The tech fair is famous for the unveiling of prototype gadgets.
- The biographical film led to the unveiling of several previously unknown facts about the poet's life.
- The scientific paper's most significant contribution was the unveiling of a novel methodological framework.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a VEIL covering something. UN-VEIL-ING is the process of taking that veil OFF to show what's underneath.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWING IS SEEING / HIDING IS COVERING. To unveil is to remove a covering (literal or metaphorical) so that something can be seen/known.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "открытие" which is more general for 'opening' or 'discovery'. "Unveiling" is a specific type of opening/reveal. "Представление" can be 'presentation' but lacks the ceremonial 'first reveal' nuance.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'unveiling' for a routine presentation (too strong). Incorrect: *'He gave an unveiling of his weekly report.' Correct: 'He gave a presentation of his weekly report.'
- Using as a verb form incorrectly. 'Unveiling' is a noun/gerund. The verb is 'to unveil'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'unveiling' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be neutral or negative (e.g., 'the unveiling of a corruption scandal'), though it often has a positive or formal tone.
No, 'unveiling' is a noun (gerund). The verb form is 'to unveil'. (e.g., 'They will unveil the plan' vs. 'The unveiling of the plan').
Both involve introductions. 'Unveiling' focuses on the act of revealing/showing for the first time. 'Launch' focuses on sending something out into the world/market, often involving the start of operations or sales. A product launch often includes an unveiling.
Yes, this is a common metaphorical use, meaning the revelation or disclosure of the truth.
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