Cool MateConceal vs Don't tell
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Conceal
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)C1verb
Don't tell
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: ConcealMost common: Don't tell
| Conceal | Don't tell | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kənˈsiːl//🇺🇸 //kənˈsil// | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt tɛl//🇺🇸 //doʊnt tɛl// |
| Meaning | To hide something so that it cannot be seen or found. | To not share information with someone. |
| Example | He tried to conceal his feelings from everyone. | I need you to *don't tell* anyone about the surprise party. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | conceal from others, conceal the truth, conceal evidence | don't tell a soul, don't tell the truth, don't tell anyone, don't tell your parents |
| Antonyms | reveal, expose, disclose | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'reveal' - opposite meaning., Using 'concel' - misspelling., Confusing with 'disguise' - different meaning. | Misusing in formal contexts where discretion is critical., Confusing with 'don't say' which can hint at any spoken words., Omitting the object, making it unclear who to not tell. |
| Usage notes | Use 'conceal' in formal contexts, such as writing or serious discussions. Avoid casual conversation. | Use in both spoken and written contexts. This phrase can be informal among friends but also suitable for more serious situations when confidentiality is required. |
Frequently asked questions: Conceal vs Don't tell
What's the difference between Conceal and Don't tell?
Conceal: To hide something so that it cannot be seen or found. Don't tell: To not share information with someone.
Which is more formal: Conceal and Don't tell?
Conceal is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Conceal and Don't tell?
Don't tell is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Conceal: He tried to conceal his feelings from everyone. Don't tell: I need you to *don't tell* anyone about the surprise party.
Can I use Conceal and Don't tell interchangeably?
Not always. Conceal and Don't tell are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.