Etymology Map
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Reveal

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to make known

Where does the word "reveal" come from? It comes from Latin revelare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
revelare
Latin · ancient
"to unveil"
're-', back, plus 'velum', veil
2
Stage 2 of 3
reveler
Old French · medieval
"to disclose"
used of divine revelation
3
Stage 3 of 3
reveal
English · 1300s
"to disclose"
'Revelation' is the last book of the Bible
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Read the full story

Reveal’s story begins in Latin: revelare meant “to unveil.” 're-', back, plus 'velum', veil. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as reveler. Used of divine revelation. It reached English by 1300s as reveal. 'Revelation' is the last book of the Bible. Today, reveal means to make known.