Conceal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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conceal
[kənˈsiːl ]
Definitions
keep from sight
To hide or keep something secret, often to avoid detection or attention. It can involve physically covering something or keeping it out of sight. Concealment can also refer to hiding one's feelings or emotions from others.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| conceal |
Used when you want to make sure that something is completely out of sight or knowledge, often with a purpose of keeping it secret.
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| hide |
Commonly used when you want to put someone or something out of sight to prevent it from being found. Generally has no negative connotation.
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| cover |
Appropriate when you need to place something over another thing to protect or hide it. Can be used in both physical and abstract senses.
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| mask |
Used when you want to disguise or obscure something, often to mislead or conceal the true nature of something. Can have a slightly negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He tried to conceal the surprise on his face.
- She concealed the letter in a secret compartment.
- The spy concealed his true identity.
something that hides or protects
A means of hiding or protecting something. This could be a physical object like a camouflage net or a metaphorical concept like a false identity. Conceal can also refer to the act of hiding one's true intentions or emotions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| conceal |
Use when you want to hide something from being seen or discovered.
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| cover |
When you want to put something over another object so it cannot be seen.
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| disguise |
Often used when you want to change the appearance of something to make it not recognizable. This can have a negative connotation.
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| veil |
Usually used when there is a metaphorical or literal cover that creates mystery or partial concealment, often implying a delicate or elegant manner.
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Examples of usage
- The bushes provided a good conceal for the wildlife photographer.
- The mask served as a conceal for his true feelings.
- The encryption was a clever conceal for the sensitive information.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Concealment can be a coping mechanism; people often hide feelings or events to avoid judgment or conflict.
- Studies show that when individuals conceal personal information, it can lead to increased stress and anxiety, as keeping secrets requires mental energy.
Literature
- In many classic tales, such as detective novels, concealment serves as a key plot device, where hidden clues lead to thrilling discoveries.
- Shakespeare's works often explore themes of concealment, such as mistaken identities and hidden motives, enriching the complexity of character relationships.
Pop Culture
- Movies often depict concealment as thrilling, with genres like thrillers and mystery relying on characters hiding significant truths to build suspense.
- The iconic superhero Spider-Man often conceals his identity, highlighting the struggle between public persona and hidden life.
Art
- In visual arts, concealment can be depicted through the use of shadows and dark spaces, creating a sense of mystery in paintings.
- Abstract art sometimes plays with concealment, where certain elements are purposely hidden or obscured for the viewer to interpret.
Origin of 'conceal'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'conceal' comes from the Latin word 'concelare,' meaning 'to hide altogether,' which involved combining 'con-' (together) and 'celare' (to hide).
- It first appeared in English around the 14th century, showing how hiding has long been an important concept in human interaction.
The word 'conceal' originated from the Old French word 'conceeler' which meant 'to hide, conceal, dissimulate'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The concept of concealment has been prevalent throughout history, with people using various methods to hide things from sight or knowledge.