Cool MateDisclose vs Reveal
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Disclose
Reveal
| Disclose | Reveal | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dɪsˈkləʊz//🇺🇸 //dɪsˈkloʊz// | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈviːl//🇺🇸 //rɪˈviːl// |
| Meaning | To make something known or public | To show something that was hidden. |
| Example | The company decided to disclose its financial results to the public. | The magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | disclose information, disclose a secret, disclose details | reveal a secret, reveal the truth, reveal information, reveal findings |
| Antonyms | conceal, hide | conceal, hide, suppress |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'clothe' - 'disclose' does not involve clothing., Incorrect verb form - using 'discloser' instead of 'disclose'. | 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 'reveal' in contexts of uncovering information, secrets, or new insights. Suitable for both formal and informal situations. |
Frequently asked questions: Disclose vs Reveal
What's the difference between Disclose and Reveal?
Disclose: To make something known or public Reveal: To show something that was hidden.
Which is more formal: Disclose and Reveal?
Disclose is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Disclose and Reveal?
Reveal is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Disclose and Reveal?
Disclose is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Disclose and Reveal the same CEFR level?
Disclose: C1, Reveal: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Disclose and Reveal?
Disclose: verb, Reveal: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Disclose: The company decided to disclose its financial results to the public. Reveal: The magician will reveal his trick at the end of the show.
Can I use Disclose and Reveal interchangeably?
Not always. Disclose 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.