Revelation

Definition

Revelation refers to the act of revealing or disclosing something that was previously secret or unknown; it can also denote a sudden, profound insight or disclosure of divine truth. Its plural form is revelations.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˌrɛvəˈleɪʃən/
• Respelling: rev-uh-LAY-shuhn

British English

• IPA: /ˌrɛv(ə)ˈleɪ.ʃən/
• Respelling: rev-uh-LAY-shuhn

Etymology

Late Middle English (in the sense ‘act of revealing’): from Anglo-Norman French revelacioun and directly from Latin revelātiō, from revelāre ‘reveal’ (from re- ‘back’ + velāre ‘to veil’).

Derivatives

• reveal (verb)
• revealer (noun)
• revelatory (adjective)
• revelational (adjective)
• unrevealed (adjective)

Synonyms

• disclosure
• unveiling
• epiphany
• insight
• manifestation

Antonyms

• concealment
• obscuration

Usage

"The scientist’s latest paper contained a startling revelation about the behavior of black holes."

"She experienced a sudden revelation that changed her perspective on the project."

Related Terms

• Disclosure: The act of making something known.
• Epiphany: A sudden realization or insight.
• Insight: An accurate and deep understanding.
• Unveiling: The act of revealing what was hidden.
• Apocalypse: A disclosure of divine mysteries (from Greek ‘uncovering’).

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The act of making something known that was previously secret or unknown – an action by which hidden or private information is revealed to others.
  • Example: "The whistleblower’s revelation exposed widespread corruption."
• A sudden, striking realization or insight – a momentary flash of understanding that brings clarity on a subject.
  • Example: "In a moment of revelation, he understood the true cost of his decisions."
• A disclosure of divine or mystical truth, especially in religious contexts – the unveiling of sacred knowledge believed to come from a higher power.
  • Example: "The Book of Revelation in the New Testament describes prophetic visions."