Revealing: meaning, definitions and examples

🔍
Add to dictionary

revealing

 

[ rɪˈviːlɪŋ ]

Verb / Adjective
Context #1 | Verb

action

To make known something that was previously unknown or secret; to disclose or expose something hidden.

Synonyms

disclose, expose, uncover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
revealing

Used for providing details or information that were previously unknown, often in personal or sensitive contexts.

  • The documentary was very revealing about the artist's life.
  • Her diary entries were quite revealing, showing her true feelings.
disclose

Used in formal or legal contexts to provide information that is typically secret or confidential.

  • The company had to disclose its financial records to the auditors.
  • He disclosed his plans to move to a different city.
uncover

Used when discovering something that was deliberately hidden or not easily seen, often with an element of surprise or investigation.

  • Detectives worked tirelessly to uncover the truth about the case.
  • They uncovered ancient ruins while digging at the site.
expose

Often used when talking about revealing something hidden that is negative, corrupt, or harmful, and can have a negative connotation.

  • The journalist exposed the corruption within the government.
  • The scandal exposed the company's unethical practices.

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested for revealing classified information to the press.
  • The magician revealed the secret to his most famous trick.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

Allowing something that was previously hidden to become visible; making a person's thoughts or feelings clear to others.

Synonyms

evident, exposing, showing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
revealing

Used when something previously hidden is being disclosed. Often used for personal, secret, or sensitive information.

  • Her revealing dress attracted a lot of attention
  • The documentary was quite revealing about the corruption within the company
exposing

Used when something is being uncovered, often with a connotation of something negative or harmful being brought to light.

  • The journalist focused on exposing the illegal activities of the politician
  • The movie aimed at exposing the harsh realities of life in that era
showing

Used when something is being presented or demonstrated. It is a more general term that can be used in various situations.

  • The teacher was showing the students how to solve the problem
  • She has been showing great improvement in her grades recently
evident

Used when something is clear and obvious to see. Often relates to facts or truths that are easily observed.

  • The difference in their abilities was evident from the start
  • It was evident that she was excited about the news

Examples of usage

  • Her revealing dress caused quite a stir at the party.
  • His revealing statement shocked everyone present.

Translations

Translations of the word "revealing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 revelador

🇮🇳 प्रकट करने वाला

🇩🇪 enthüllend

🇮🇩 mengungkap

🇺🇦 викривальний

🇵🇱 ujawniający

🇯🇵 明らかにする

🇫🇷 révélateur

🇪🇸 revelador

🇹🇷 açıklayıcı

🇰🇷 드러내는

🇸🇦 كاشف

🇨🇿 odhalující

🇸🇰 odhaľujúci

🇨🇳 揭示

🇸🇮 razkrivajoč

🇮🇸 afhjúpandi

🇰🇿 әшкерелеу

🇬🇪 გამოსამჟღავნებელი

🇦🇿 açıqlayan

🇲🇽 revelador

Etymology

The word 'revealing' comes from the verb 'reveal', which has its roots in the Latin word 'revelare', meaning 'unveil' or 'lay bare'. Over time, 'reveal' evolved into 'revealing', which is commonly used in English to describe the act of making something known or visible.

See also: reveal, revealable, revealed, reveals, revelation, revelations, unrevealed.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,720 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.