What does revealing mean?
Revealing describes something that discloses information, exposes a pattern, or makes a hidden matter apparent. A revealing comment or document gives readers insight into a situation, often more than its author intended. The word can carry a strongly positive sense of honesty and transparency, as in a revealing account, but it can also suggest an embarrassing or accidental disclosure. In another common usage, revealing clothing shows considerable skin and is often intended to be alluring. As the present participle of reveal, it can also appear directly with a verb: investigators are revealing a new pattern. The word is especially useful when an observation does more than merely describe something; it indicates that the observation brings underlying facts or meanings to light.
That makes something known or gives insight into a matter; indicative or disclosing. It can also describe clothing that exposes much of the body.
"The report provides a revealing account of the conditions in the industry."
The clothing sense is more suggestive and can be formal; the informational sense can be approving, neutral, or critical depending on context.
The present participle of reveal, meaning disclosing or making something known.
"The researchers are revealing important details about the ancient site."
This form normally follows a subject in a continuous construction, although it can also function as a gerund: revealing the truth.
Revealing began with the idea of taking off a veil: today it can uncover a secret, expose a pattern, or even show a great deal of skin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does revealing come from?
Revealing is the present participle of reveal. English reveal comes through Old French reveler, from Latin revelare, a compound of re- and velare, meaning to unveil or disclose. The same Latin root underlies related English words including revel, revelry, and revelation.
Related word forms
How revealing is actually used
In its informational sense, revealing is often approving: it suggests candour, insight, or a useful disclosure. It can also imply that information was exposed unintentionally. The clothing sense is generally more suggestive than purely descriptive and may be formal or fashion-oriented.
Easily confused with revealing
Revelling means enjoying yourself noisily at a celebration, whereas revealing means disclosing information or exposing something.