Discover vs. Reveal — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 29, 2024
Discover involves finding something unknown or unrecognized, while reveal means making known what was previously hidden or secret.
Difference Between Discover and Reveal
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
To discover is to come across information, places, or objects previously unknown or unrecognized by the discoverer. This process often involves exploration or research. On the other hand, to reveal means to unveil or disclose something that was hidden or kept secret, usually intentionally or by someone else.
Discoveries can result from accidental encounters or systematic investigation, leading to new knowledge or insights. Conversely, revealing involves a deliberate act of making something known, such as unveiling a truth or exposing information previously concealed.
While discoveries often add to the body of knowledge or understanding in fields like science and history, revealing is more about transparency and bringing previously obscured information to light. For instance, a scientist might discover a new species, whereas a journalist might reveal facts about a political scandal.
The joy of discovery is in the uncovering of the unknown through curiosity and investigation. In contrast, the act of revealing can have a range of motivations, from seeking justice to sharing personal truths, and it often involves a decision to break silence or confidentiality.
Discovering is associated with exploration, curiosity, and the expansion of knowledge, which can lead to innovation and progress. Revealing, however, is more connected with transparency, disclosure, and sometimes confrontation, playing a crucial role in accountability and understanding.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
To find or uncover something unknown
To make known something that was hidden
Process
Accidental or systematic investigation
Deliberate act of disclosure
Motivation
Curiosity, exploration
Transparency, accountability
Outcome
New knowledge, insights
Transparency, clarity
Examples
Discovering a new species
Revealing a secret
Compare with Definitions
Discover
To become aware of a fact or situation.
She discovered her love for painting during the workshop.
Reveal
To disclose personal thoughts or feelings.
She revealed her intentions to move abroad next year.
Discover
To uncover the existence of a place, phenomenon, or artifact.
Archaeologists discovered ancient ruins beneath the city.
Reveal
To uncover and display something that was hidden.
The artist revealed her latest masterpiece at the gallery.
Discover
To realize the presence of a quality or feeling.
He discovered a sense of peace in the mountains.
Reveal
To demonstrate or make known a quality or characteristic.
The test results revealed his true potential.
Discover
To find something unknown.
Galileo discovered four of Jupiter’s moons using his telescope.
Reveal
To make previously unknown or secret information known.
The report revealed the company's financial misconduct.
Discover
To identify a previously unknown fact or theory.
Scientists have discovered a link between sleep patterns and longevity.
Reveal
To allow something to be seen by removing a cover.
He pulled the curtain to reveal a stunning view of the skyline.
Discover
To notice or learn, especially by making an effort
Got home and discovered that the furnace wasn't working.
Reveal
Disclose directly or through prophets;
God rarely reveal his plans for Mankind
Discover
To be the first, or the first of one's group or kind, to find, learn of, or observe.
Reveal
To make known (something concealed or unknown)
She revealed that she was pregnant. The study revealed the toxic effects of the pollutant.
Discover
To learn about for the first time in one's experience
Discovered a new restaurant on the west side.
Reveal
To cause to be seen; show
The curtains parted, revealing a ballerina. The x-ray revealed a broken bone.
Discover
To learn something about
Discovered him to be an impostor.
Discovered the brake to be defective.
Reveal
To make known by supernatural or divine means
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven" (Romans 1:18).
Discover
To identify (a person) as a potentially prominent performer
A movie star who was discovered in a drugstore by a producer.
Reveal
The making known of an important, secret, or salient occurrence, such as the revealing of a major development, plot twist, or visual effect in a movie
"Seeing [the Wiz] in human form in the first act diminishes the power of the reveal in the second" (Bob Verini).
Discover
(Archaic) To reveal or expose.
Reveal
The part of the side of a window or door opening that is between the outer surface of a wall and the window or door frame.
Discover
To find or learn something for the first time.
Turning the corner, I discovered a lovely little shop. I discovered that they sold widgets.
Reveal
The whole side of such an opening; the jamb.
Discover
To remove the cover from; to uncover (a head, building etc.).
Reveal
The framework of a motor vehicle window.
Discover
To expose, uncover.
The gust of wind discovered a bone in the sand.
Reveal
The outer side of a window or door frame.
Discover
To create by moving a piece out of another piece's line of attack.
This move discovers an attack on a vital pawn.
Reveal
A revelation; an uncovering of what was hidden in the scene or story.
The comedian had been telling us about his sleep being disturbed by noise. Then came the reveal: he was sleeping on a bed in a department store.
Discover
To question (a person) as part of discovery in a lawsuit.
Reveal
(transitive) To uncover; to show and display that which was hidden.
Discover
To reveal (information); to divulge, make known.
I discovered my plans to the rest of the team.
Reveal
(transitive) To communicate that which could not be known or discovered without divine or supernatural instruction.
Discover
To reconnoitre, explore (an area).
Reveal
To make known (that which has been concealed or kept secret); to unveil; to disclose; to show.
Light was the wound, the prince's care unknown,She might not, would not, yet reveal her own.
Discover
(obsolete) To manifest without design; to show; to exhibit.
Reveal
Specifically, to communicate (that which could not be known or discovered without divine or supernatural instruction or agency).
Discover
To uncover.
Whether any man hath pulled down or discovered any church.
Reveal
A revealing; a disclosure.
Discover
To disclose; to lay open to view; to make visible; to reveal; to make known; to show (what has been secret, unseen, or unknown).
Go, draw aside the curtains, and discoverThe several caskets to this noble prince.
Prosperity doth best discover vice; but adversity doth best discover virtue.
We will discover ourselves unto them.
Discover not a secret to another.
Reveal
The side of an opening for a window, doorway, or the like, between the door frame or window frame and the outer surface of the wall; or, where the opening is not filled with a door, etc., the whole thickness of the wall; the jamb.
Discover
To obtain for the first time sight or knowledge of, as of a thing existing already, but not perceived or known; to find; to ascertain; to espy; to detect.
Some to discover islands far away.
Reveal
Make visible;
Summer brings out bright clothes
He brings out the best in her
The newspaper uncovered the President's illegal dealings
Discover
To manifest without design; to show.
The youth discovered a taste for sculpture.
Reveal
Make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret;
The auction house would not disclose the price at which the van Gogh had sold
The actress won't reveal how old she is
Bring out the truth
He broke the news to her
Discover
To explore; to examine.
Reveal
Make clear and visible;
The article revealed the policies of the government
Discover
To discover or show one's self.
This done, they discover.
Nor was this the first time that they discovered to be followers of this world.
Discover
Discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of;
She detected high levels of lead in her drinking water
We found traces of lead in the paint
Discover
Make a discovery, make a new finding;
Roentgen discovered X-rays
Physicists believe they found a new elementary particle
Discover
Get to know or become aware of, usually accidentally;
I learned that she has two grown-up children
I see that you have been promoted
Discover
Make a discovery;
She found that he had lied to her
The story is false, so far as I can discover
Discover
Find unexpectedly;
The archeologists chanced upon an old tomb
She struck a goldmine
The hikers finally struck the main path to the lake
Discover
Make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret;
The auction house would not disclose the price at which the van Gogh had sold
The actress won't reveal how old she is
Bring out the truth
He broke the news to her
Discover
See for the first time; make a discovery;
Who discovered the North Pole?
Discover
Identify as in botany or biology, for example
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between discovering and revealing?
Discovering involves finding unknown information or things, while revealing involves making known what was previously hidden.
Is revealing always intentional?
Revealing is typically a deliberate act, though sometimes information can be revealed unintentionally through slips or accidents.
How important is the intention behind revealing something?
The intention can be crucial, as it often determines the context and potential impact of the revelation, affecting how it is received.
Can a revelation be harmful?
Yes, revelations can sometimes be harmful, especially if they expose sensitive or damaging information without consideration of the consequences.
How does discovery impact scientific research?
Discoveries in scientific research can lead to new understandings, technologies, and advancements in various fields.
Is it possible to discover something that was previously revealed?
Yes, an individual can discover information that was already revealed but unknown to them personally until that point.
Can a person discover something about themselves?
Yes, individuals can discover new aspects about their interests, abilities, or characteristics through introspection and experiences.
What role do discoveries play in history?
Discoveries have played crucial roles in history, leading to new lands, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural exchanges.
Can something be both discovered and revealed?
Yes, something can first be discovered and then intentionally revealed to others.
Can discoveries lead to controversies?
Yes, some discoveries can lead to controversies, especially if they challenge existing beliefs or understandings.
Why is revealing considered a powerful tool in journalism?
Revealing brings hidden truths to light, holding entities accountable and informing the public.
What distinguishes a discovery in science from a personal discovery?
A discovery in science adds to collective knowledge and is verifiable, whereas a personal discovery is subjective and specific to an individual's experience.
What is a famous example of a discovery?
The discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming is a renowned example that revolutionized medicine.
How do discoveries contribute to education?
Discoveries expand the body of knowledge, providing new content and contexts for learning and teaching.
What is a notable example of a revelation?
The revelation of the Watergate scandal is a historical example of revealing hidden misconduct.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
