Revelation
/ˌrɛvəˈleɪʃən/
nounB2
Definition
A revelation is when someone learns or sees something new and important that was hidden or unknown before. It can be a fact, idea, or truth that suddenly becomes clear. People often feel surprised or shocked by a revelation because it changes their understanding.
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See It in Action
A surprising or important fact that is made known
- •The revelation of the secret shocked everyone in the room.
- •Her revelation about the company's problems changed the plan.
- •The book contains revelations about the life of the famous artist.
The act of making something known or showing it clearly
- •The revelation of the new product happened at the conference.
- •The revelation of the painting was a special moment for the museum visitors.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "revelation" like "news," but more surprising and important—it changes what you know
- ✓Picture a bright light turning on in a dark room, showing things you couldn’t see before
- ✓It’s the feeling when you suddenly understand a secret or solve a difficult problem
- ✓Sounds like "rev-uh-LAY-shun" → imagine someone shouting "Reveal!" and a curtain lifting to show a hidden picture
- ✓In stories, a revelation is like when the detective finds the real criminal or when a secret is told at the right moment
- ✓NOT like "guess" (which is uncertain), a revelation is certain and clear information
- ✓NOT like "rumor" (which may be false), a revelation is true and proven
- ✓NOT like "news" (which can be everyday information), a revelation is usually surprising and important
Try Other Words
- •Disclosure: the act of making something secret known (Use when talking about revealing private or hidden information)
- •Insight: a clear understanding of a complicated problem (Use when the focus is on understanding rather than just learning a fact)
- •Epiphany: a sudden realization or understanding (Use when the revelation is sudden and personal, often about life or feelings)
- •Announcement: a public statement giving information (Use when the revelation is formal and shared with many people)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "re-" (again) + "velare" (Latin root meaning to unveil or reveal) + "-tion" (noun suffix meaning action or result)
- •Etymology: From Latin "revelatio," meaning the act of unveiling or making something known
- •Historical development: Originally used in religious contexts to mean God revealing truth; now used more broadly for any important disclosure
- •Modern usage: Used for surprising facts, secrets, or truths revealed in everyday life, news, books, or conversations
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of revelations have changed your opinion or understanding about something important?
•How do you think people react differently to personal revelations compared to public announcements?
Fill in the blanks
1.The revelation of the hidden documents caused the government to ___ its policies.
2.After her revelation, he looked at the problem with a new ___.
3.Unlike a simple guess, a revelation gives ___ and clear information.
4.The scientist’s revelation led to ___ changes in the way the experiment was done.
5.In stories, a revelation often comes at the ___ to surprise the reader.
6.The revelation was unexpected and ___ many people’s beliefs.
7.When the company made the revelation, they had to ___ the details carefully.