What does revealed mean?
Revealed is the past tense and past participle of reveal, meaning to make something known, visible, or apparent. It can describe the disclosure of information, as in a report revealing an error, or the exposure of something hidden, such as a concealed object or previously unknown fact. The word is widely used in journalism, academic writing, business, politics, and ordinary conversation. Its basic connotation is that what was formerly inaccessible to public knowledge or perception has become visible. In some contexts, revealed can sound more dramatic or consequential than disclosed, particularly when the information was deliberately kept secret. As a participial adjective, it also means made known or exposed, as in revealed evidence or revealed preferences.
To make information known, or to expose something that was hidden or concealed.
"The documents revealed a significant gap in the accounts."
Common in both formal and informal contexts; it may imply that the information was previously hidden or unavailable.
Made known, disclosed, or visible rather than hidden.
"The study reported a revealed preference for smaller homes."
Usually used attributively or in fixed technical expressions such as revealed preference.
Revealed carries the idea of bringing something into view: a secret, a preference, a flaw, or even a carefully hidden intention.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does revealed come from?
The word belongs to the Latin root revelare, formed from re- and velum, meaning “veil.” Medieval Latin revelare meant to uncover or disclose, and English borrowed it through Old French reveler. The related noun revelation developed from the same Latin source, while revel in the sense of celebration has a different historical development despite its modern spelling resemblance.
Related word forms
How revealed is actually used
The word is neutral in register and is common in journalism, academic writing, formal reports, and everyday speech. In business and political contexts, it often has the connotation of making previously hidden information public.
Easily confused with revealed
Revealed is the past tense and past participle of reveal, meaning to disclose or uncover, while revelled is the past tense and past participle of revel, meaning to celebrate enthusiastically.