Reveals: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
Reveals – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “reveals” functions primarily as a verb and is used to indicate that something has been shown or made known. It often implies an unveiling or disclosure that was previously hidden or unknown. The base form of the verb is “reveal,” and its past tense and past participle are also “revealed.” In some contexts, “revelation” (a noun) can be associated with a significant revelation.
Core Synonyms
Below is a table featuring key synonyms for “reveals” along with their brief definitions, example sentences, and the style/register where they’re typically used:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discloses | Suggests a more formal or intentional sharing of information. | “The report discloses important data about the company’s performance.” | Formal, Academic |
| Unveils | Implies a ceremonial or dramatic presentation. | “She unveiled her new book with much fanfare at the launch event.” | Creative, Informal |
| Uncovers | Indicates finding something hidden or not readily apparent. | “The investigation uncovered evidence of fraud within the organization.” | Business, Academic |
| Exhibits | Focuses on showing or demonstrating characteristics or qualities. | “Her speech exhibits great confidence and clarity.” | Formal, Business |
| Exposes | Often carries a connotation of bringing negative information to light. | “The documentary exposes environmental abuses in the industry.” | Informal, Critical |
Usage Notes
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Discloses is best suited for formal writing or contexts where there’s a sense of duty or responsibility in sharing information, such as official reports or legal documents.
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Unveils is ideal for creative and informal contexts, particularly when describing events like product launches or art exhibitions.
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Uncovers works well in investigative or analytical situations, emphasizing the discovery process, often used in research or journalistic writing.
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Exhibits suits formal settings where demonstrating qualities or characteristics is key, such as presentations or academic evaluations.
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Exposes can be potent in contexts aiming to highlight wrongdoing or issues that need attention, common in media and critical commentary.
Common Pitfalls
A frequent error when choosing synonyms for “reveals” is not considering the context. For example:
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Using unveils instead of discloses might undermine the formality required in legal or official communications.
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Opting for exhibits when a simpler term like shows could suffice may unnecessarily complicate a sentence.
Additionally, some synonyms have more negative connotations. For instance:
- Exposes often implies harm or negativity, whereas reveals can be neutral.
Final Recap
To sum up, “reveals” and its synonyms—discloses, unveils, uncovers, exhibits, and exposes—are context-dependent in their usage. Understanding these nuances will enhance your ability to choose the most appropriate term for different scenarios:
- Use discloses for formal information sharing.
- Choose unveils when there’s a dramatic or ceremonial element involved.
- Opt for uncovers when describing discoveries, especially in investigative contexts.
- Select exhibits to demonstrate qualities or characteristics formally.
- Apply exposes for uncovering negative or harmful aspects.
Encourage yourself to practice these synonyms by writing sentences and trying them out in conversation. This will not only expand your vocabulary but also sharpen your communication skills across various registers and contexts.