Main Entry:

¹re·veal

Pronunciation:

\ri-ˈvēl\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

Middle English revelen, from Anglo-French reveler, from Latin revelare to uncover, reveal, from re- + velare to cover, veil, from velum veil

Date:

14th century

1 : to make known through divine inspiration 2 : to make (something secret or hidden) publicly or generally known <reveal a secret> 3 : to open up to view : display <the uncurtained window revealed a cluttered room>

— re·veal·able \-ˈvē-lə-bəl\ adjective

— re·veal·er noun

synonyms reveal, disclose, divulge, tell, betray mean to make known what has been or should be concealed. reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason <divine will as revealed in sacred writings>. disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret <candidates must disclose their financial assets>. divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence <refused to divulge an anonymous source>. tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information <told them what he had overheard>. betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure <a blush that betrayed her embarrassment>.