Reveal Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/rɪˈvɛl/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Definition

A sudden or unexpected appearance or exposure, especially of something hidden or concealed; to make something known or public.

Examples

• The discovery was a major reveal for the scientific community.
• The surprise twist was a dramatic reveal at the end of the movie.

Synonyms

• Uncover
• Disclose

Antonyms

• Conceal
• Hide
• Silence

Additional Information

Reveal can be used as a noun to describe a sudden or unexpected appearance, or as a verb to describe the act of making something known or public. In a broader sense, reveal can also refer to the process of self-discovery or the act of sharing personal experiences or emotions.

In various contexts, reveal can also convey a sense of drama, surprise, or excitement, often used to describe plot twists or surprises in stories or films.

Etymology

The word “reveal” comes from the Old French word “reveler”, meaning “to uncover” or “to disclose”. This term has its roots in the Latin word “revelare”, which means “to undo” or “to uncover”.

Usage Notes

In formal writing, it’s often preferred to use the verb form “to reveal” instead of the noun form “a reveal”, as it’s considered more precise and concise.

Cultural References

Reveal has been used in various forms of media, including films, literature, and television shows. Examples include the popular TV series “Big Brother”, which features a “revelation” or “reveal” each week, and the novel “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, which features a shocking reveal at its climax.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“A reveal” can be used informally to describe a dramatic or surprising moment, often in a context where something is being made public or revealed.

Related Words or Phrases

• Expose
• Uncover
• Disclose

Collocations

• Reveal the truth
• Making a revealing statement
• A dramatic reveal

Frequency of Use

Reveal is a relatively common word, with a moderate frequency of use in modern language. It is often used in formal and informal settings to describe a sudden or unexpected appearance or exposure.

Common Misspellings

• Rveal
• Revail