Conceal vs. Hide — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 25, 2023
"Conceal" means to cover or keep from sight, often with intent, while "Hide" means to put away or keep out of sight, often for protection. Both imply invisibility, but the motivations may differ.
Difference Between Conceal and Hide
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
"Conceal" and "Hide" are two verbs in the English language that often get used interchangeably due to their overlapping meanings, but they have nuanced differences. "Conceal" typically connotes an intent to prevent something from being discovered or known. This implies an added layer of purposefulness in the act. For instance, a person might Conceal their emotions or Conceal evidence. On the other hand, "Hide" leans more towards the act of making something or someone not visible or keeping it/them out of sight. This action might be driven by various reasons such as fear, safety, or mere preference.
Delving deeper into "Conceal", it's often used in contexts where there's a need to prevent revelation or exposure. This could be driven by a myriad of reasons – from protecting oneself or others to committing a deception. On the other side of the spectrum, "Hide" is more neutral and can be driven by natural instincts as seen in the animal kingdom where prey Hides from predators.
Further emphasizing the distinction, consider cosmetics. A concealer is used to Conceal blemishes or imperfections on the skin, implying an intent to cover flaws. Whereas, if someone were to Hide their face, it means they are keeping it out of view, but not necessarily implying the reason is to cover flaws.
In summation, while both "Conceal" and "Hide" involve making something not visible, "Conceal" often carries a sense of intent to prevent discovery, while "Hide" is a broader term for keeping something or someone out of sight.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Cover or keep from sight with intent
Put away or keep out of sight
ADVERTISEMENT
Connotation
Intent to prevent discovery
Neutral, often for protection
Usage
More specific, intentional act
Broader, general act
Associated Actions
Covering, shielding, camouflaging
Secreting, burying, sheltering
Examples
Conceal emotions, Conceal a fact
Hide a toy, Hide from danger
Compare with Definitions
Conceal
To cover or shield from view.
She used makeup to Conceal the scar.
Hide
To seek protection or refuge.
The deer Hid from the hunter in the brush.
Conceal
To withhold knowledge of.
The report Concealed important facts.
Hide
To keep from being seen or discovered.
She would often Hide her diary.
Conceal
To prevent discovery or recognition.
The agent used a disguise to Conceal his identity.
Hide
To put or keep out of sight or away from notice
Hid the money in a sock.
Conceal
To place out of sight.
She Concealed the gift behind her back.
Hide
To prevent the disclosure or recognition of; conceal
Tried to hide the facts.
Conceal
To keep something secret.
He tried to Conceal the truth from his family.
Hide
To cut off from sight; cover up
Clouds hid the stars.
Conceal
To keep from being observed or discovered; hide. ]
Hide
To avert (one's gaze), especially in shame or grief.
Conceal
(transitive) To hide something from view or from public knowledge, to try to keep something secret.
He tried to conceal the truth about his health.
Hide
To keep oneself out of sight or notice.
Conceal
To hide or withdraw from observation; to cover; to cover or keep from sight; to prevent the discovery of; to withhold knowledge of.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing.
Declare ye among the nations, . . . publish and conceal not.
He which finds him shall deserve our thanks, . . . He that conceals him, death.
Bur double griefs afflict concealing hearts.
Both dissemble deeply their affections.
We have in these words a primary sense, which reveals a future state, and a secondary sense, which hides and secretes it.
Hide
To seek refuge or respite
"no place to hide from boredom or anger or loneliness" (Matt Teague).
Conceal
Prevent from being seen or discovered;
Muslim women hide their faces
Hide the money
Hide
To beat severely; flog.
Conceal
Hold back; keep from being perceived by others;
She conceals her anger well
Hide
The skin of an animal, especially the thick tough skin or pelt of a large animal.
Hide
An old English measure of land, usually the amount held adequate for one free family and its dependents.
Hide
(transitive) To put (something) in a place where it will be harder to discover or out of sight.
He hides his magazines under the bed.
The politicians were accused of keeping information hidden from the public.
Hide
(intransitive) To put oneself in a place where one will be harder to find or out of sight.
Hide
To beat with a whip made from hide.
Hide
(countable) The skin of an animal.
Hide
The human skin.
Hide
One's own life or personal safety, especially when in peril.
To save his own hide
Better watch his hide
Hide
(countable) mainly British A covered structure from which hunters, birdwatchers, etc can observe animals without scaring them.
Hide
A secret room for hiding oneself or valuables; a hideaway.
Hide
(countable) A covered structure to which a pet animal can retreat, as is recommended for snakes.
Hide
(historical) A unit of land and tax assessment of varying size, originally as intended to support one household with dependents.
Hide
To conceal, or withdraw from sight; to put out of view; to secrete.
A city that is set on an hill can not be hid.
If circumstances lead me, I will findWhere truth is hid.
Hide
To withhold from knowledge; to keep secret; to refrain from avowing or confessing.
Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate.
Hide
To remove from danger; to shelter.
In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion.
Hide
To lie concealed; to keep one's self out of view; to be withdrawn from sight or observation.
Bred to disguise, in public 'tis you hide.
Hide
To flog; to whip.
Hide
An abode or dwelling.
Hide
The skin of an animal, either raw or dressed; - generally applied to the undressed skins of the larger domestic animals, as oxen, horses, etc.
Hide
The human skin; - so called in contempt.
O tiger's heart, wrapped in a woman's hide!
Hide
The dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)
Hide
Body covering of a living animal
Hide
Prevent from being seen or discovered;
Muslim women hide their faces
Hide the money
Hide
Be or go into hiding; keep out of sight, as for protection and safety;
Probably his horse would be close to where he was hiding
She is hiding out in a cabin in Montana
Hide
Cover as if with a shroud;
The origins of this civilization are shrouded in mystery
Hide
Make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring or concealing;
A hidden message
A veiled threat
Hide
To put out of sight.
He decided to Hide the money under the mattress.
Hide
To conceal oneself.
Let's play a game of Hide and seek.
Hide
To keep secret or withhold from disclosure.
He Hid the fact that he was fired.
Common Curiosities
Can "Hide" be used for emotions?
Yes, one can Hide their feelings or emotions.
Is "Conceal" always about intentional hiding?
Often, but not always. Context matters.
Does "Conceal" always imply deception?
No, it can be for protection or privacy without deceitful intent.
What's the difference between "Hide out" and "Conceal"?
"Hide out" refers to a place of refuge, while "Conceal" is an act of covering or keeping secret.
Can "Conceal" mean to camouflage?
Yes, as in Concealing oneself in the environment.
Which is more general, "Conceal" or "Hide"?
"Hide" is more general and can be used in a broader range of contexts.
Can "Conceal" refer to withholding information?
Yes, such as Concealing a fact or data.
Does "Hide" always mean to keep secret?
Not always. It can simply mean to keep out of sight.
Can "Conceal" have a protective connotation?
Yes, like Concealing one's identity for safety.
Can "Conceal" be used in a physical context?
Yes, such as Concealing an object from view.
Is "Hide" only about physical objects?
No, it can also refer to abstracts like feelings or truths.
Can "Hide" imply a temporary act?
Yes, like hiding during a game.
Why would one "Conceal" instead of "Hide"?
"Conceal" often implies a stronger intent or purpose behind the action.
Is "Hide" related to animal skins?
Yes, "Hide" can also mean the skin of an animal.
Are "Conceal" and "Hide" perfect synonyms?
No, while they overlap in meaning, they have distinct nuances.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Sheep vs. Deer
Next Comparison
Vaporate vs. EvaporateAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
