What does reveal mean?
Reveal means to disclose information that was previously unknown or to expose something that had been hidden. The verb is widely used in journalism, investigations, legal proceedings, conversation, and formal writing: a witness may reveal information, a document may reveal an error, or a landscape may reveal itself gradually as a traveller approaches. Its implication of concealment varies by context. Revealing a secret strongly suggests prior secrecy, while revealing a result may simply mean making the result known. Reveal can also be followed by an object or by a clause, as in 'the evidence revealed that the system had failed.' The related noun refers to an act of disclosure or a dramatic unveiling. The word is especially useful when the information has been deliberately hidden, protected, or made difficult to access, and its relatively formal tone suits both precise reporting and clear exposition.
To make known or disclose something previously hidden or unknown; to expose something to view; or to become perceptible.
"The restored painting revealed details that had been obscured by centuries of varnish."
The construction 'reveal something to someone' is common. In formal writing, 'reveal itself' often means to become apparent or perceptible.
An act of disclosing information or making something visible; a dramatic unveiling or presentation.
"The actor's final reveal transformed the character into an entirely different figure."
As a noun, reveal often occurs in media, fashion, and entertainment contexts, where it can refer to a public presentation or unveiling.
The plural is used for multiple acts of disclosure or unveilings.
"The exhibition's dramatic reveals changed how visitors understood the artist's career."
Reveal comes from Latin revelare, literally 'to unveil'—the past tense of the very act that keeps a secret from being seen.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reveal come from?
Reveal derives from Latin revelare, meaning 'to unveil,' formed from re-, meaning 'back' or 'again,' and velare, meaning 'to veil.' Latin velum itself meant 'veil' or 'sail' and is the source of English veil. English reveal originally referred to uncovering something hidden and later extended to the disclosure of information; cognates include revel and revelation.
Related word forms
How reveal is actually used
Reveal is common in formal, journalistic, legal, and everyday contexts. It often suggests that something was deliberately or significantly concealed, though it can also be used neutrally for information becoming known. The phrase 'reveal itself' is somewhat formal and frequently describes a place, view, truth, or opportunity becoming perceptible.
Easily confused with reveal
To reveal is to disclose or expose something that has been hidden, whereas to revel is to celebrate joyfully.