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A2 verb #411 am häufigsten 13 Min. Lesezeit

reveal

Top 411

At the A1 level, 'reveal' is a word you might use to talk about simple surprises or showing things. Imagine you have a gift for a friend. When you take the paper off, you 'reveal' the gift. It is like the word 'show'. You can use it when you show a secret to someone. For example, 'I reveal my secret to my mom.' It is a special way to say you are showing something that was hidden. Think of a magician. A magician hides a rabbit in a hat. Then, the magician shows the rabbit. We can say the magician 'reveals' the rabbit. It is an exciting word! You use it for things that people didn't see before. It is usually used with simple things like toys, pictures, or small secrets. Even though it is a big word, you can use it in small sentences. 'The sun reveals the flowers' means the sun helps us see the flowers. It is about making things visible. At this level, don't worry about complex meanings. Just think of it as a fancy way to say 'show something hidden'.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'reveal' to describe more than just physical objects. You can use it for simple information. For example, 'The book reveals who the thief is.' This means the book tells you the secret. You can also use it for things in nature. 'The clouds moved and revealed the moon.' This is a very common way to use the word. It is more formal than 'show'. If you are writing a story for class, using 'reveal' instead of 'show' makes your writing sound better. You should remember the pattern: 'reveal something to someone'. For example, 'He revealed his plan to his friends.' You can also use it to talk about results. 'The test revealed that I passed.' This is a very useful sentence for students. It means the test showed the good news. At this level, 'reveal' helps you talk about discoveries and sharing news that was not known before. It adds a bit of drama to your English.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'reveal' in various contexts, including news, science, and personal relationships. You will often see it in the passive voice: 'It was revealed that...' This is common in news reports about secrets or scandals. You can also use it to describe how people act. 'His smile revealed his happiness.' This is more abstract than showing a physical object. You are showing an emotion. You should also learn the noun form, 'revelation'. A 'revelation' is the thing that is revealed. For example, 'It was a shocking revelation.' In your writing, you can use 'reveal' to introduce facts you found in your research. 'The data reveals a trend.' This sounds professional and clear. You should also be aware of synonyms like 'disclose' or 'uncover', but 'reveal' remains the most versatile choice for most situations. It is a key word for describing the process of learning the truth about something that was previously misunderstood or kept quiet.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'reveal' with precision and understand its nuances in different registers. You should be able to use it to discuss complex topics like social issues, scientific breakthroughs, or literary themes. For instance, 'The novel reveals the harsh realities of poverty in the 19th century.' Here, 'reveal' means to explore or depict a deep truth. You should also be familiar with collocations like 'startling reveal', 'reluctantly reveal', or 'reveal a secret'. At this level, you can use 'reveal' to describe the outcome of an investigation or an audit. 'The investigation revealed a series of errors.' You should also understand the difference between 'reveal' and 'expose'. While 'reveal' is neutral, 'expose' often implies showing something bad or shameful. Using 'reveal' correctly in your essays will demonstrate a high level of vocabulary control. You can also use it reflexively, such as 'to reveal oneself', meaning to show one's true character or identity, which is a more sophisticated usage.

At the C1 level, 'reveal' becomes a tool for nuanced analysis and sophisticated storytelling. You should be able to use it to describe subtle shifts in understanding or the unfolding of complex ideas. For example, 'The philosopher's work reveals a profound shift in how we perceive reality.' In this context, 'reveal' is about intellectual discovery. You should also be adept at using the word in academic and professional settings, where it is often used to introduce evidence or findings. 'The study reveals a correlation that warrants further investigation.' You will also encounter 'reveal' in literary criticism, where it is used to discuss how an author discloses information to the reader to create suspense or irony. You should be able to distinguish 'reveal' from more specialized synonyms like 'divulge' (for secrets) or 'manifest' (for becoming apparent). Your use of 'reveal' should reflect an understanding of its power to signal a significant transition from ignorance to knowledge, whether in a scientific, personal, or artistic context.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'reveal' should be absolute, allowing you to use it with perfect tone and context. You can use it to discuss the most abstract and complex concepts. For example, 'The architecture of the building reveals the underlying tensions of the era.' Here, 'reveal' is used metaphorically to show how physical structures can reflect social or historical truths. You should be comfortable with its use in highly formal legal or diplomatic contexts, where the 'revelation' of information can have global consequences. You can also use it in creative writing to achieve specific effects, such as 'slow-burn reveals' or 'unreliable revelations'. Your vocabulary should include a wide range of related terms and idioms, and you should be able to use 'reveal' to convey subtle irony or deep insight. At this level, 'reveal' is not just about showing; it is about the profound act of uncovering the essence of a thing, a person, or an idea. You use it to provide clarity in the midst of complexity, demonstrating a masterful command of the English language.

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Reveal is a verb meaning to make something known that was previously secret, hidden, or unknown to others, often involving a sense of discovery.
It can refer to physical uncovering, such as a magician revealing a rabbit, or abstract disclosure, like a study revealing new scientific data.
Commonly used in news, science, and storytelling, it is more formal than 'show' and often implies that the information revealed is significant or surprising.
Grammatically, it is a transitive verb, often followed by a direct object or a 'that' clause, and is frequently used in the passive voice.

The verb reveal is a powerful and versatile word in the English language, primarily used to describe the act of making something known that was previously hidden, secret, or unknown. At its core, it suggests a transition from a state of obscurity to a state of clarity. Whether you are talking about a physical object being uncovered or a complex piece of information being shared, 'reveal' implies a moment of discovery or disclosure. In everyday conversation, people use it to discuss everything from the ending of a movie to the results of a scientific study. It carries a sense of importance, often suggesting that the thing being revealed has significant value or impact on those who learn about it.

Physical Disclosure: This refers to the act of uncovering something that can be seen with the eyes. For example, pulling back a curtain to show a new painting or removing a cloth from a statue during an unveiling ceremony. It is about sight and visibility.

The heavy curtains were pulled back to reveal a breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains.

Information Disclosure: This involves sharing facts, secrets, or data that were kept private. It is common in journalism, law, and personal relationships. When a journalist reveals a scandal, they are bringing hidden facts to the public's attention.

In professional contexts, 'reveal' is often used in marketing and product launches. Companies 'reveal' their latest gadgets or car models to create excitement. In literature and film, 'the big reveal' is a common trope where a major plot point or the identity of a villain is finally shown to the audience. This word is essential for describing any situation where the truth comes to light. It is more formal than 'show' and more dramatic than 'tell', making it a favorite for storytellers and news anchors alike. Understanding the nuance of 'reveal' helps learners express the weight of a discovery.

The investigation revealed that the company had been ignoring safety regulations for years.

Emotional Revelation: Sometimes, 'reveal' is used to describe showing one's true feelings or character. A difficult situation might reveal someone's true strength or their hidden fears. This is a more abstract use of the word.

His reaction to the news revealed a level of compassion that his colleagues had never seen before.

Furthermore, 'reveal' is frequently used in scientific and academic writing to discuss findings. A study might reveal a link between diet and health, or an archaeological dig might reveal an ancient city. In these cases, the word emphasizes that the knowledge was always there, waiting to be discovered by the right methods. It suggests a process of uncovering the objective truth. Whether it is a magician revealing a trick or a scientist revealing a breakthrough, the word captures the essence of moving from darkness into the light of understanding.

The X-ray revealed a small fracture in the patient's wrist that was not visible on the surface.

The CEO decided to reveal the new logo during the annual general meeting.

Using 'reveal' correctly requires understanding its grammatical patterns and the contexts in which it thrives. As a transitive verb, it almost always takes a direct object—the thing that is being made known. One of the most common structures is reveal something to someone. This emphasizes the recipient of the information. For example, 'She revealed her secret to her best friend.' Another common structure is reveal that [clause], which is used when the thing being revealed is a fact or a situation. For instance, 'The tests revealed that the water was contaminated.' This flexibility allows 'reveal' to function in both simple and complex sentence structures, making it a vital tool for learners at all levels.

The Direct Object Pattern: Subject + reveal + noun phrase. This is the simplest way to use the word. 'The magician revealed the rabbit.' It focuses purely on the act of showing.

The dawn light revealed the extent of the damage caused by the storm.

The 'That' Clause Pattern: Subject + reveal + that + subject + verb. This is used for more complex information. 'The survey revealed that most people prefer working from home.'

When using 'reveal' in the passive voice, the focus shifts from who did the revealing to what was revealed. This is particularly common in news reporting: 'It was revealed today that the Prime Minister will resign.' This structure adds a layer of objectivity and formality. Additionally, 'reveal' can be modified by adverbs to show how the disclosure happened. You might 'reluctantly reveal' a secret, 'accidentally reveal' a surprise, or 'finally reveal' a long-awaited truth. These modifiers help convey the speaker's attitude or the circumstances surrounding the event, enriching the narrative quality of your sentences.

After hours of questioning, the suspect finally revealed where the stolen money was hidden.

Infinitive and Gerund Use: 'Reveal' can also appear as an infinitive ('to reveal') or a gerund ('revealing'). 'To reveal the truth is always better.' or 'Revealing the winner was the highlight of the night.'

The author refused to reveal the identity of the person who inspired the main character.

In more advanced usage, 'reveal' can be used reflexively: 'to reveal oneself'. This means to show who you really are or to come out of hiding. For example, 'The spy was forced to reveal himself when the guards approached.' This usage is less common but very effective in dramatic writing. Overall, 'reveal' is a versatile verb that functions best when there is a clear distinction between what is known and what is unknown. By mastering these patterns, you can use 'reveal' to add depth, drama, and precision to your English communication, whether you are writing a formal essay or telling a story to a friend.

The scientific journal will reveal the full details of the experiment in next month's issue.

The map revealed a hidden path through the dense forest.

You will encounter the word 'reveal' in a wide variety of real-world settings, ranging from the highly formal to the surprisingly casual. One of the most common places is in the news media. Headlines often use 'reveal' to grab attention: 'New Documents Reveal Government Corruption' or 'Study Reveals Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee.' In these contexts, 'reveal' suggests that the news outlet is providing exclusive or previously unknown information, which creates a sense of urgency and importance. Journalists love this word because it implies they are performing a public service by uncovering the truth. If you listen to news broadcasts or read newspapers, you will see 'reveal' used almost daily to describe investigative findings and political developments.

Entertainment and Media: In the world of TV and film, 'the reveal' is a specific term for the moment a mystery is solved. Reality shows often have 'gender reveals' or 'home reveals' where a big surprise is shown to the participants and the audience.

The season finale of the detective show finally revealed the killer's identity.

Science and Technology: Scientists use 'reveal' to describe what their data shows. 'The microscope reveals the structure of the cell.' It is used to describe the process of making the invisible visible through technology or research.

In social media, 'reveal' has become a buzzword. Influencers often post 'room reveals', 'outfit reveals', or 'face reveals'. In these cases, the word is used to build anticipation among followers. It turns a simple act of showing something into an event. This usage is more informal but follows the same core meaning: showing something that was previously kept away from the public eye. You might also hear it in everyday social situations, such as when a friend says, 'I have something to reveal to you,' which usually precedes a piece of gossip or a personal announcement. The word adds a touch of drama and importance to the conversation, signaling that what follows is significant.

The YouTuber promised to reveal his secret project once he reached one million subscribers.

Legal and Formal Contexts: In a courtroom, a lawyer might 'reveal' new evidence. In business, a company might 'reveal' its financial losses. In these settings, 'reveal' is serious and often carries legal or financial consequences.

The audit revealed several discrepancies in the department's budget.

Finally, 'reveal' is a staple of literature and storytelling. From classic novels to modern thrillers, authors use 'reveal' to manage the flow of information to the reader. A character's past might be 'slowly revealed' over several chapters, or a sudden 'revelation' might change the course of the plot. This usage highlights the word's ability to create suspense and engagement. Whether you are reading a mystery novel, watching a tech keynote, or listening to a friend's secret, 'reveal' is the word that marks the transition from curiosity to knowledge. Its presence across so many different domains makes it one of the most useful verbs for an English learner to master.

The DNA test revealed that the two men were actually long-lost brothers.

The magician's assistant helped reveal the final illusion of the night.

While 'reveal' is a common word, it is often misused by learners who confuse it with similar verbs like 'show', 'tell', or 'disclose'. One of the most frequent mistakes is using 'reveal' for everyday, non-secret actions. For example, saying 'He revealed his passport to the officer' sounds overly dramatic and slightly unnatural. In this context, 'showed' is the correct choice because there is no secret or mystery involved; it is a standard procedure. 'Reveal' should be reserved for situations where something was hidden, unknown, or surprising. Understanding this distinction is key to sounding more like a native speaker and avoiding unnecessary drama in your speech.

Confusion with 'Show': 'Show' is general. 'Reveal' is specific to uncovering secrets. Don't use 'reveal' for routine actions like showing a ticket or a photo, unless that photo contains a secret.

Incorrect: I revealed my ID to the waiter.
Correct: I showed my ID to the waiter.

Preposition Errors: Learners sometimes use the wrong preposition. It is 'reveal something TO someone', not 'reveal something AT someone' or 'reveal someone something'.

Another common error is using 'reveal' as an intransitive verb. You cannot simply say 'The secret revealed.' It must be 'The secret was revealed' (passive) or 'He revealed the secret' (active). Because 'reveal' requires an object or a 'that' clause, leaving it alone makes the sentence grammatically incomplete. Furthermore, some learners confuse 'reveal' with 'disclose'. While they are synonyms, 'disclose' is much more formal and usually used in legal or financial contexts. Using 'disclose' when talking to a friend about a surprise party might sound too stiff. Choosing the right level of formality—the 'register'—is just as important as choosing the right meaning.

Incorrect: The truth revealed eventually.
Correct: The truth was revealed eventually.

Overusing the Passive Voice: While 'It was revealed' is common in news, overusing it in personal writing can make your prose feel detached. Use active voice ('She revealed') to make your writing more engaging.

Incorrect: He revealed me the truth.
Correct: He revealed the truth to me.

Finally, be careful with the noun form, 'revelation'. Some learners try to use 'reveal' as a noun (e.g., 'It was a big reveal'). While this is common in modern media slang (like 'the big reveal' on a TV show), in formal writing, 'revelation' is the preferred noun. For example, 'The revelation of the scandal shocked the nation.' By being mindful of these common pitfalls—grammatical structure, register, and confusion with similar words—you can use 'reveal' with confidence and precision, ensuring your message is clear and appropriately toned for your audience.

The study revealed that (NOT 'revealed about') the effects of the new drug.

The curtain rose to reveal the elaborate stage set.

To truly master 'reveal', it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and understand the subtle differences in meaning and usage. While 'reveal' is a great all-purpose word, sometimes a more specific alternative can make your writing or speech more precise. Common synonyms include 'disclose', 'divulge', 'unveil', 'uncover', and 'manifest'. Each of these carries a slightly different 'flavor'. For instance, 'unveil' is often used for physical objects or new plans, while 'divulge' is almost exclusively used for secrets or private information. Choosing the right word depends on what is being shown and the context of the situation.

Reveal vs. Disclose: 'Reveal' is general and can be dramatic. 'Disclose' is formal and often used in legal, business, or official contexts. You 'reveal' a secret to a friend, but a company 'discloses' its earnings to the public.

The whistleblower disclosed confidential documents to the press.

Reveal vs. Divulge: 'Divulge' specifically means to make public something that was private or secret. It often implies that the information should have stayed secret. 'She refused to divulge the names of her sources.'

Another interesting comparison is with 'uncover'. While 'reveal' can be abstract (revealing a truth), 'uncover' often has a more physical or investigative connotation. You 'uncover' a hidden treasure or 'uncover' a conspiracy through hard work. 'Manifest', on the other hand, is much more formal and often used in psychological or spiritual contexts to mean 'to show clearly' or 'to become apparent'. For example, 'The symptoms of the disease began to manifest after three days.' Understanding these nuances allows you to tailor your language to the specific situation, making your communication more effective and sophisticated.

The city council will unveil the new park design on Monday.

Reveal vs. Expose: 'Expose' often has a negative connotation. It means to reveal something harmful, dishonest, or dangerous. 'The documentary exposed the harsh reality of the fashion industry.'

The investigation uncovered a network of illegal gambling dens.

In summary, while 'reveal' is a versatile and essential verb, exploring its synonyms can greatly enhance your vocabulary. Whether you are 'disclosing' financial data, 'divulging' a secret, 'unveiling' a new product, or 'exposing' a lie, each word provides a specific nuance that 'reveal' alone might not capture. By practicing with these alternatives, you will develop a more nuanced command of English, allowing you to express complex ideas with greater clarity and impact. Remember to consider the context, the formality, and the emotional weight of what is being made known when choosing between 'reveal' and its many counterparts.

His true intentions were finally manifested in his actions.

The sun came out, revealing the vibrant colors of the garden.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Neutral

Informell

Child friendly

Umgangssprache

Wusstest du?

The word 'revelation' in the Bible comes from the same root, referring to the 'unveiling' of divine truth. This gives the word a historically dramatic and spiritual weight.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /rɪˈviːl/

US /rɪˈvil/

The stress is on the second syllable: re-VEAL.

Reimt sich auf

feel heal meal peel seal steal wheel zeal

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the first syllable like 'ray' (ray-veel).
Confusing the pronunciation with 'revel' (rev-ul).
Making the 'v' sound like a 'b' (re-beel).
Shortening the long 'ee' sound in the second syllable.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Common in news and stories, easy to recognize.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires correct use of objects and 'that' clauses.

Sprechen 2/5

Simple to pronounce and use in basic contexts.

Hören 2/5

Clearly pronounced and frequently used in media.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

show hide secret know find

Als Nächstes lernen

disclose unveil revelation discovery investigate

Fortgeschritten

divulge manifest chiaroscuro epiphany clandestine

Wichtige Grammatik

Transitive Verbs

You must reveal *something* (the object).

Passive Voice

The secret *was revealed* by the witness.

Noun Clauses

The test revealed *that she was pregnant*.

Infinitive of Purpose

He opened the box *to reveal* the ring.

Reporting Verbs

The report *reveals* that costs are rising.

Beispiele nach Niveau

The magician will reveal the rabbit.

Le magicien va révéler le lapin.

Future tense with 'will'.

Open the box to reveal your gift.

Ouvrez la boîte pour révéler votre cadeau.

Imperative mood.

She reveals her secret to her friend.

Elle révèle son secret à son amie.

Present simple third person.

The sun reveals the beautiful flowers.

Le soleil révèle les belles fleurs.

Subject-verb-object.

I will reveal the answer now.

Je vais révéler la réponse maintenant.

Simple future.

The map reveals the hidden treasure.

La carte révèle le trésor caché.

Present simple.

He revealed a big smile.

Il a révélé un grand sourire.

Past simple.

The picture reveals a small cat.

L'image révèle un petit chat.

Present simple.

The clouds moved to reveal the moon.

Les nuages ont bougé pour révéler la lune.

Past simple with infinitive of purpose.

The letter revealed the truth about the party.

La lettre a révélé la vérité sur la fête.

Past simple.

He didn't want to reveal his age.

Il ne voulait pas révéler son âge.

Negative past simple with infinitive.

The tests revealed that she was healthy.

Les tests ont révélé qu'elle était en bonne santé.

Past simple with 'that' clause.

The movie reveals who the killer is at the end.

Le film révèle qui est le tueur à la fin.

Present simple with indirect question.

The new logo was revealed yesterday.

Le nouveau logo a été révélé hier.

Passive voice past simple.

She revealed her plans for the summer.

Elle a révélé ses projets pour l'été.

Past simple.

The curtain rose to reveal the actors.

Le rideau s'est levé pour révéler les acteurs.

Past simple with infinitive.

The investigation revealed several safety issues.

L'enquête a révélé plusieurs problèmes de sécurité.

Past simple with plural object.

It was revealed that the company was losing money.

Il a été révélé que l'entreprise perdait de l'argent.

Passive voice with 'that' clause.

His behavior revealed a lack of confidence.

Son comportement révélait un manque de confiance.

Past simple describing a state.

The study revealed a link between diet and sleep.

L'étude a révélé un lien entre l'alimentation et le sommeil.

Past simple.

She reluctantly revealed her true feelings.

Elle a révélé ses vrais sentiments à contrecœur.

Adverb modifying the verb.

The archaeological dig revealed an ancient city.

Les fouilles archéologiques ont révélé une ville antique.

Past simple.

The X-ray revealed a small fracture.

La radiographie a révélé une petite fracture.

Past simple.

The journalist promised not to reveal his source.

Le journaliste a promis de ne pas révéler sa source.

Negative infinitive.

The report revealed a startling lack of oversight.

Le rapport a révélé un manque de surveillance surprenant.

Past simple with adjective-noun object.

The artist's work reveals a deep obsession with light.

L'œuvre de l'artiste révèle une profonde obsession pour la lumière.

Present simple for artistic analysis.

He was forced to reveal his identity to the police.

Il a été forcé de révéler son identité à la police.

Passive voice with infinitive.

The survey revealed that public opinion is shifting.

L'enquête a révélé que l'opinion publique est en train de changer.

Past simple with 'that' clause in present continuous.

The documentary reveals the truth behind the scandal.

Le documentaire révèle la vérité derrière le scandale.

Present simple for media description.

The audit revealed discrepancies in the accounts.

L'audit a révélé des divergences dans les comptes.

Past simple.

Her expression revealed more than her words did.

Son expression en disait plus que ses paroles.

Past simple comparison.

The scientist will reveal the findings at the conference.

Le scientifique révélera les résultats lors de la conférence.

Future simple.

The research reveals a profound shift in consumer behavior.

La recherche révèle un changement profond dans le comportement des consommateurs.

Present simple for academic findings.

The author slowly reveals the protagonist's tragic past.

L'auteur révèle lentement le passé tragique du protagoniste.

Present simple for literary analysis.

The trial revealed a web of deceit and corruption.

Le procès a révélé un tissu de tromperies et de corruption.

Past simple with metaphorical object.

The DNA analysis revealed the suspect's presence at the scene.

L'analyse ADN a révélé la présence du suspect sur les lieux.

Past simple.

The poem reveals the speaker's inner turmoil.

Le poème révèle l'agitation intérieure du locuteur.

Present simple for literary analysis.

It was only later that the full extent of the damage was revealed.

Ce n'est que plus tard que toute l'étendue des dégâts a été révélée.

Cleft sentence with passive voice.

The investigation revealed that the evidence had been tampered with.

L'enquête a révélé que les preuves avaient été falsifiées.

Past simple with past perfect 'that' clause.

The architect's design reveals a commitment to sustainability.

La conception de l'architecte révèle un engagement envers la durabilité.

Present simple.

The memoir reveals the intricate complexities of political life.

Les mémoires révèlent les complexités imbriquées de la vie politique.

Present simple for abstract analysis.

The study reveals an underlying tension between tradition and modernity.

L'étude révèle une tension sous-jacente entre tradition et modernité.

Present simple.

His silence revealed a deeper understanding of the situation.

Son silence révélait une compréhension plus profonde de la situation.

Past simple with abstract object.

The excavation revealed a civilization far more advanced than previously thought.

Les fouilles ont révélé une civilisation bien plus avancée qu'on ne le pensait auparavant.

Past simple with comparative clause.

The film's ending reveals the cyclical nature of human suffering.

La fin du film révèle la nature cyclique de la souffrance humaine.

Present simple for philosophical analysis.

The whistleblower's testimony revealed a systemic failure of leadership.

Le témoignage du lanceur d'alerte a révélé un échec systémique du leadership.

Past simple.

The analysis reveals that the two phenomena are inextricably linked.

L'analyse révèle que les deux phénomènes sont inextricablement liés.

Present simple with 'that' clause.

The painting reveals a masterful use of chiaroscuro.

La peinture révèle une utilisation magistrale du clair-obscur.

Present simple for art criticism.

Synonyme

show disclose uncover expose divulge manifest

Gegenteile

hide conceal cover

Häufige Kollokationen

reveal a secret

reveal the truth

reveal findings

reveal a plan

reveal a identity

reveal a flaw

reveal a talent

reveal a source

reveal a detail

reveal a pattern

Häufige Phrasen

reveal all

the big reveal

reveal one's hand

reveal oneself

reveal a preference

reveal a lack of

reveal a connection

reveal a surprise

reveal a location

reveal a trend

Wird oft verwechselt mit

reveal vs revel

Revel means to enjoy oneself loudly, while reveal means to show a secret.

reveal vs show

Show is general; reveal is for things that were hidden or unknown.

reveal vs disclose

Disclose is more formal and often used in legal or business contexts.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"reveal one's true colors"

To show what one is really like, especially when it is unpleasant.

When things got difficult, he finally revealed his true colors.

informal

"lift the veil"

To reveal something that was previously hidden or secret.

The book lifts the veil on the secret world of espionage.

literary

"spill the beans"

To reveal a secret accidentally or prematurely.

Don't spill the beans about the surprise party!

informal

"let the cat out of the bag"

To reveal a secret, usually by mistake.

I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about their engagement.

informal

"lay bare"

To reveal the truth about something, often something shocking.

The report laid bare the extent of the corruption.

formal

"bring to light"

To reveal something that was hidden or unknown.

New evidence has been brought to light in the case.

neutral

"show one's hand"

To reveal one's intentions or resources.

In business, it's often better not to show your hand too soon.

neutral

"pull back the curtain"

To reveal the inner workings of something.

The documentary pulls back the curtain on the fashion industry.

neutral

"blow the whistle"

To reveal secret information about wrongdoings in an organization.

He decided to blow the whistle on the company's illegal practices.

informal

"unmask the truth"

To reveal the reality behind a false appearance.

The investigator worked hard to unmask the truth.

literary

Leicht verwechselbar

reveal vs show

Both involve making something visible.

Show is used for everything; reveal is used when there is a secret or mystery.

I showed him my ID, but I revealed my secret to him.

reveal vs tell

Both involve sharing information.

Tell is about speaking; reveal is about the act of making something known (can be visual or spoken).

He told me the time, but he revealed the truth about the accident.

reveal vs expose

Both involve uncovering something.

Expose often has a negative connotation (showing something bad); reveal is neutral.

The sun revealed the flowers, but the news exposed the crime.

reveal vs unveil

Both mean to show something for the first time.

Unveil is more formal and often used for physical objects like statues or new products.

They unveiled the new car at the show.

reveal vs divulge

Both mean to share a secret.

Divulge is much more formal and specifically refers to private information.

She refused to divulge the details of the contract.

Satzmuster

Subject + reveal + object.

The magician reveals the bird.

Subject + reveal + that clause.

The letter revealed that he was coming.

Passive voice: It + was + revealed + that...

It was revealed that the store was closing.

Subject + reveal + possessive + noun.

His actions revealed his true character.

Cleft sentence: It was [time] that [object] was revealed.

It was only then that the truth was revealed.

Metaphorical use with abstract subjects.

The architecture reveals the spirit of the age.

Subject + reveal + indirect question.

The map revealed where the treasure was.

Infinitive of purpose: ...to reveal + object.

She opened the door to reveal the garden.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in both written and spoken English.

Häufige Fehler

He revealed me the secret. → He revealed the secret to me.
The person receiving the information must be preceded by 'to'.
The truth revealed yesterday. → The truth was revealed yesterday.
If the subject is the thing being shown, you must use the passive voice.
I revealed my passport to the guard. → I showed my passport to the guard.
'Reveal' is too dramatic for routine actions; use 'show' instead.
The study revealed about the problem. → The study revealed the problem.
Do not use 'about' after 'reveal'; it takes a direct object.
It was a shocking reveal. → It was a shocking revelation.
In formal writing, use the noun 'revelation' instead of the verb 'reveal'.

Tipps

Use for Impact

Use 'reveal' when you want to emphasize that the information is new or surprising to the listener.

Direct Object

Always make sure 'reveal' has an object or a 'that' clause following it.

Passive Voice

In formal writing, use 'It was revealed that...' to introduce important facts.

Stress

Remember to stress the second syllable: re-VEAL.

Physical vs. Abstract

You can reveal a physical object (a gift) or an abstract idea (a truth).

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'reveal' for mundane things like showing a ticket; use 'show' instead.

Common Pairs

Learn common pairs like 'reveal a secret' or 'reveal the truth'.

Choose Wisely

Use 'unveil' for products and 'disclose' for legal matters to sound more precise.

News Buzzword

Listen for 'reveal' in news headlines; it usually precedes the most important information.

The Veil Trick

Think of 'reveal' as 're-moving a veil' to remember its meaning.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 're-veil'. To reveal is to 'un-veil' something. Imagine pulling a veil off a hidden object.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a magician pulling a red cloth off a cage to show a white bird. The cloth is the veil, and the bird is the reveal.

Word Web

secret show uncover discovery truth hidden mystery disclosure

Herausforderung

Try to use 'reveal' three times today: once for a small secret, once for a physical object, and once for a fact you learned.

Wortherkunft

The word 'reveal' comes from the Old French word 'reveler', which originated from the Latin word 'revelare'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: In Latin, 'revelare' literally means 'to unveil'. It is composed of 're-' (meaning 'opposite of') and 'velare' (meaning 'to veil' or 'to cover').

It belongs to the Indo-European language family, specifically the Romance branch via Latin.

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when 'revealing' information about others; it can be seen as a breach of trust or gossip.

In English-speaking media, 'reveal' is a high-impact word used to sell news and entertainment.

The Book of Revelation in the Bible. The 'big reveal' in the movie 'The Empire Strikes Back' (Darth Vader's identity). Sherlock Holmes' reveals at the end of his cases.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Magic and Entertainment

reveal the trick
the big reveal
reveal the winner
reveal the secret

Science and Research

reveal the data
study reveals
reveal a link
reveal findings

News and Journalism

reveal the truth
reveal a scandal
reveal documents
reveal a source

Personal Relationships

reveal a secret
reveal feelings
reveal a past
reveal plans

Business and Marketing

reveal a product
reveal a logo
reveal a strategy
reveal losses

Gesprächseinstiege

"What is the biggest secret you have ever had to reveal to someone?"

"If you could reveal the truth about one mystery in history, what would it be?"

"Have you ever had a surprise party revealed to you too early?"

"What do you think a person's choice of clothes reveals about their personality?"

"When do you think it is okay for a journalist to reveal their sources?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Write about a time you revealed a secret and how it made you feel afterward.

Describe a 'big reveal' from a movie or book that completely surprised you.

If you were a scientist, what would you want your research to reveal to the world?

Discuss whether you think social media reveals too much about people's private lives.

Write a story that ends with a character revealing their true identity.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, 'reveal' is a transitive verb. You reveal the thing directly. Say 'He revealed the secret,' not 'He revealed about the secret.'

It is neutral to formal. It is more formal than 'show' but less formal than 'disclose'.

The standard noun is 'revelation'. In modern media, 'reveal' is sometimes used as a noun (e.g., 'the big reveal'), but this is informal.

Yes, 'to reveal oneself' means to show your true character or to come out of hiding.

Uncover often implies a physical act or an investigation, while reveal is more general and can be abstract.

Yes, 'revealing' can describe something that shows a lot, like 'a revealing dress' or 'a revealing comment'.

Yes, you can 'reveal' the surprise to the person it is for.

It is pronounced ri-VEAL, with the stress on the second syllable.

Yes, very often. Scientists use it to describe what their data or experiments show.

It means to show what you are really like, usually when it is something bad.