I. ri-ˈvēl transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English revelen, from Anglo-French reveler, from Latin revelare to uncover, reveal, from re- + velare to cover, veil, from velum veil
Date: 14th century
1. : to make known through divine inspiration
2. : to make (something secret or hidden) publicly or generally known
reveal a secret
3. : to open up to view : display
the uncurtained window reveal ed a cluttered room
• re·veal·able -ˈvē-lə-bəl adjective
• re·veal·er noun
Synonyms:
reveal , disclose , divulge , tell , betray mean to make known what has been or should be concealed. reveal may apply to supernatural or inspired revelation of truths beyond the range of ordinary human vision or reason
divine will as revealed in sacred writings
disclose may imply a discovering but more often an imparting of information previously kept secret
candidates must disclose their financial assets
divulge implies a disclosure involving some impropriety or breach of confidence
refused to divulge an anonymous source
tell implies an imparting of necessary or useful information
told them what he had overheard
betray implies a divulging that represents a breach of faith or an involuntary or unconscious disclosure
a blush that betrayed her embarrassment
II. noun
Etymology: alteration of earlier revale, probably ultimately from Middle French ravaler to reduce the depth of (masonry or wood), literally, to take back down, from Old French, from re- + avaler to let fall — more at vail
Date: 1688
: the side of an opening (as for a window) between a frame and the outer surface of a wall ; also : jamb