Cool MateDisclose vs Expose vs Reveal
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Disclose
Expose
Reveal
| Disclose | Expose | Reveal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪsˈkləʊz//🇺🇸 //dɪsˈkloʊz// | 🇬🇧 //ɪkˈspəʊz//🇺🇸 //ɪkˈspoʊz// | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈviːl//🇺🇸 //rɪˈviːl// |
| Meaning | To make something known or public | To show something that is hidden or to make it known. | To show something that was hidden. |
| Example | The company decided to disclose its financial results to the public. | The article aims to expose corruption within the government. | The magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | verb |
| Collocations | disclose information, disclose a secret, disclose details | expose to danger, expose a secret, expose the truth, expose someone to something | reveal a secret, reveal the truth, reveal information, reveal findings |
| Antonyms | conceal, hide | conceal, hide, obscure | conceal, hide, suppress |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'clothe' - 'disclose' does not involve clothing., Incorrect verb form - using 'discloser' instead of 'disclose'. | Confused with 'dispose' meaning to get rid of., Using 'expose' in passive voice improperly., Confusing 'expose' with 'expose to' which implies subjecting to something. | Confused with 'reveal' vs 'disclose'. 'Reveal' implies showing something hidden, while 'disclose' implies make known., Incorrectly using 'reveal' with an implied object. Must specify what is being revealed., Overusing in casual contexts where simpler words like 'show' may be more appropriate. |
| Usage notes | Used primarily in formal contexts, such as legal or business environments. Avoid in casual conversation. | Use 'expose' in formal and neutral contexts. Avoid in very casual settings. Can imply revealing something negative. | Use 'reveal' in contexts of uncovering information, secrets, or new insights. Suitable for both formal and informal situations. |
Frequently asked questions: Disclose vs Expose vs Reveal
What's the difference between Disclose, Expose, and Reveal?
Disclose: To make something known or public Expose: To show something that is hidden or to make it known. Reveal: To show something that was hidden.
Which is more formal: Disclose, Expose, and Reveal?
Disclose is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Disclose, Expose, and Reveal?
Reveal is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Disclose, Expose, and Reveal?
Disclose is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Disclose, Expose, and Reveal the same CEFR level?
Disclose: C1, Expose: B2, Reveal: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Disclose, Expose, and Reveal?
Disclose: verb, Expose: verb, Reveal: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Disclose: The company decided to disclose its financial results to the public. Expose: The article aims to expose corruption within the government. Reveal: The magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show.
Can I use Disclose, Expose, and Reveal interchangeably?
Not always. Disclose, Expose, and Reveal 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.