Revealing

Part of speech: verb, adjective

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈviːlɪŋ/

Definitions

1. Making something previously hidden or unknown visible or known; exposing aspects of the body or personality by revealing details or characteristics
2. Causing facts, emotions, or information to come to light; displaying parts of the figure or traits that offer insight into character or feelings
3. Allowing understanding or knowledge to emerge by uncovering what was kept secret; presenting physical or internal features that provide insight into identity or state

Etymology: "Revealing" is a simple combination of "reveal" and the suffix "-ing," which in this case forms the present participle and adjective. The verb "reveal" came into English from Old French "reveler," which in turn came from Latin "revelare," meaning "to unveil" or "to draw back the veil," built from "re-" (back) and "velare" (to cover), the same root that gives "veil." So the core image is literal: pulling back a covering to expose what lies beneath. That physical sense of uncovering has carried over into the figurative meaning of making known something that was hidden. A "revealing" dress shows more than was expected, and a "revealing" remark tells you something about a person's character that they may not have intended to share. The word thus moves from cloth and curtains to secrets and insights while keeping the same underlying action of removing a cover.

Synonyms: disclosing, unveiling, exposing, showing, uncovering

Antonyms: concealing, hiding, suppressing, covering, obscuring