Reveal vs. Unveil — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 29, 2024
Reveal implies disclosing or making known something hidden or secret, often gradually, while unveil typically refers to the physical act of removing a veil or covering to show something previously hidden.
Difference Between Reveal and Unveil
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Reveal is often used in contexts where information, emotions, or previously hidden truths are made known, emphasizing the process of disclosure that may be gradual or sudden. Unveil, on the other hand, usually involves a physical action, such as removing a veil or cover from something, making it visible for the first time. This action can be literal, like unveiling a statue, or metaphorical, as in unveiling a new product or idea.
The act of revealing can occur in various settings, from personal conversations where someone reveals their feelings, to scientific contexts where new discoveries are revealed. In contrast, unveiling is commonly associated with ceremonies or events designed to introduce or display something significant to the public, such as a new monument or artwork.
Reveal carries connotations of uncovering or bringing to light something that was not previously known or seen, often involving elements of surprise or confidentiality. Whereas unveil is typically associated with celebratory or formal occasions, marking the moment something is presented to the public for the first time, signifying importance and acknowledgment.
The process of revealing can be intentional or unintentional, ranging from deliberate disclosures to accidental slips that expose truths. Unveiling, however, is almost always a deliberate act, planned as part of a ceremony or announcement, underscoring its significance and the anticipation built around it.
While reveal emphasizes the act of disclosure and the information or truth that comes to light, unveil focuses on the transition from hidden to visible, highlighting the physical or metaphorical removal of a barrier to reveal something new or previously unseen.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Disclosing or making known something hidden
Removing a veil or cover to show something
Context
Information, emotions, truths
Physical action, ceremonies, public events
Connotations
Uncovering, bringing to light, confidentiality
Celebration, formal occasions, anticipation
Intentionality
Can be intentional or unintentional
Almost always intentional
Focus
Act of disclosure and information
Transition from hidden to visible
Compare with Definitions
Reveal
To show or demonstrate something not previously visible or understood.
Her smile revealed her true happiness.
Unveil
To remove a covering for public display.
The artist unveiled her latest sculpture at the gallery.
Reveal
To make known something concealed.
The investigation revealed the truth behind the mystery.
Unveil
To make visible by removing an obstacle.
The curtains were drawn to unveil the breathtaking view.
Reveal
To bring to light hidden or unknown aspects.
The documentary reveals the challenges of wildlife conservation.
Unveil
To perform a ceremonial act of revealing.
The plaque was unveiled at the ceremony to honor the hero.
Reveal
To uncover or expose.
A sudden wind revealed the hidden message in the sand.
Unveil
To introduce something new to the public.
The company will unveil its new product line next month.
Reveal
To disclose information or details.
He revealed his plans only to his closest friends.
Unveil
To reveal or disclose publicly for the first time.
The mayor unveiled the plan for the new park.
Reveal
To make known (something concealed or unknown)
She revealed that she was pregnant. The study revealed the toxic effects of the pollutant.
Unveil
To remove a veil or covering from.
Reveal
To cause to be seen; show
The curtains parted, revealing a ballerina. The x-ray revealed a broken bone.
Unveil
To disclose; reveal.
Reveal
To make known by supernatural or divine means
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven" (Romans 1:18).
Unveil
To take off one's veil.
Reveal
The making known of an important, secret, or salient occurrence, such as the revealing of a major development, plot twist, or visual effect in a movie
"Seeing [the Wiz] in human form in the first act diminishes the power of the reveal in the second" (Bob Verini).
Unveil
To reveal oneself.
Reveal
The part of the side of a window or door opening that is between the outer surface of a wall and the window or door frame.
Unveil
(transitive) To remove a veil from; to uncover; to reveal something hidden.
Reveal
The whole side of such an opening; the jamb.
Unveil
(transitive) to show, especially for the first time
Reveal
The framework of a motor vehicle window.
Unveil
(intransitive) To remove a veil; to reveal oneself.
Reveal
The outer side of a window or door frame.
Unveil
To remove a veil from; to divest of a veil; to uncover; to disclose to view; to reveal; as, she unveiled her face.
Reveal
A revelation; an uncovering of what was hidden in the scene or story.
The comedian had been telling us about his sleep being disturbed by noise. Then came the reveal: he was sleeping on a bed in a department store.
Unveil
To remove a veil; to reveal one's self.
Reveal
(transitive) To uncover; to show and display that which was hidden.
Unveil
Remove the veil from;
Women must not unveil themselves in public in Islamic societies
Reveal
(transitive) To communicate that which could not be known or discovered without divine or supernatural instruction.
Unveil
Make visible;
Summer brings out bright clothes
He brings out the best in her
The newspaper uncovered the President's illegal dealings
Reveal
To make known (that which has been concealed or kept secret); to unveil; to disclose; to show.
Light was the wound, the prince's care unknown,She might not, would not, yet reveal her own.
Unveil
Remove the cover from;
Unveil a painting
Reveal
Specifically, to communicate (that which could not be known or discovered without divine or supernatural instruction or agency).
Reveal
A revealing; a disclosure.
Reveal
The side of an opening for a window, doorway, or the like, between the door frame or window frame and the outer surface of the wall; or, where the opening is not filled with a door, etc., the whole thickness of the wall; the jamb.
Reveal
Make visible;
Summer brings out bright clothes
He brings out the best in her
The newspaper uncovered the President's illegal dealings
Reveal
Make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret;
The auction house would not disclose the price at which the van Gogh had sold
The actress won't reveal how old she is
Bring out the truth
He broke the news to her
Reveal
Make clear and visible;
The article revealed the policies of the government
Reveal
Disclose directly or through prophets;
God rarely reveal his plans for Mankind
Common Curiosities
What is the purpose of unveiling?
The purpose of unveiling is to formally or ceremonially remove a cover from something, introducing or displaying it to the public for the first time.
How do reveal and unveil differ in usage?
Reveal is more about the act of disclosure, often involving information or emotions, while unveil is about the physical or ceremonial act of making something visible.
Can reveal and unveil be used interchangeably?
While there can be overlap, especially in metaphorical use, they are not fully interchangeable due to their distinct connotations and contexts.
Is revealing always intentional?
Revealing can be either intentional or unintentional, depending on the context and the nature of the information being disclosed.
How does the concept of reveal apply in storytelling?
In storytelling, revealing refers to the strategic disclosure of information that advances the plot or develops characters.
Is it possible to unveil emotions?
Emotions are typically revealed rather than unveiled, as the latter suggests a more physical or formal action.
What does it mean to reveal something?
Revealing something means disclosing or making known information, feelings, or truths that were previously hidden or unknown.
Are unveils always planned events?
Yes, unveils are typically planned and often ceremonial, marking the significance of what is being shown to the public.
What types of things are usually unveiled?
New products, artworks, monuments, and plans are commonly unveiled in public or ceremonial contexts.
What significance does an unveil have in marketing?
In marketing, an unveil is a strategic event designed to generate excitement and anticipation for a new product or service.
What types of things can be revealed?
Information, emotions, secrets, discoveries, and previously unknown facts are examples of what can be revealed.
Can the environment or nature reveal things to us?
Yes, environmental changes or natural phenomena can reveal scientific truths, historical insights, or simply the beauty of nature.
Why is the distinction between reveal and unveil important?
Understanding the distinction helps clarify communication, ensuring the appropriate connotation and context are conveyed.
Can a person be revealed or unveiled?
A person can be revealed in the sense of disclosing something about themselves, but unveiling is not typically used in reference to people unless metaphorically.
How does culture influence what is revealed or unveiled?
Cultural norms and values can dictate what is considered appropriate to reveal or unveil, influencing the manner and context of disclosures.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-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.
