Cool MateConceal vs We keep it hidden
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Conceal
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)C1verb
We keep it hidden
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: ConcealMost common: Conceal
| Conceal | We keep it hidden | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kənˈsiːl//🇺🇸 //kənˈsil// | 🇬🇧 //wiː kiːp ɪt ˈhɪdən//🇺🇸 //wi kiːp ɪt ˈhɪdən// |
| Meaning | To hide something so that it cannot be seen or found. | We don't show it to others. |
| Example | He tried to conceal his feelings from everyone. | There are some family matters we keep it hidden. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | conceal from others, conceal the truth, conceal evidence | keep a secret, keep it private, keep hidden details |
| Antonyms | reveal, expose, disclose | reveal, expose, disclose |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'reveal' - opposite meaning., Using 'concel' - misspelling., Confusing with 'disguise' - different meaning. | Confusing with 'we keep it secret' (similar but not exactly the same), Using 'hided' instead of 'hidden', Incorrectly conjugating 'keep' with plural subjects |
| Usage notes | Use 'conceal' in formal contexts, such as writing or serious discussions. Avoid casual conversation. | Use in casual conversation to imply something is secretive. Avoid in formal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Conceal vs We keep it hidden
What's the difference between Conceal and We keep it hidden?
Conceal: To hide something so that it cannot be seen or found. We keep it hidden: We don't show it to others.
Which is more formal: Conceal and We keep it hidden?
Conceal is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Conceal and We keep it hidden?
Conceal is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Conceal: He tried to conceal his feelings from everyone. We keep it hidden: There are some family matters we keep it hidden.
Can I use Conceal and We keep it hidden interchangeably?
Not always. Conceal and We keep it hidden 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.