revelation
rehv-uh-LAY-shuhn
Revelation (noun) means something surprising or previously unknown that is made known, often dramatically. Example: “The newspaper's revelation about the hidden tunnel amazed local residents.”
noun
1
Something surprising or previously unknown that is made known, often dramatically.
"The newspaper's revelation about the hidden tunnel amazed local residents."
"The book's final chapter contains a shocking revelation."
"It was a revelation to learn how the company really operated."
2
Someone or something that turns out to be surprisingly good or impressive.
"The little cafe was a revelation, with food far better than we expected."
"Her singing voice was a revelation to everyone at the school concert."
"The new signing has been a revelation for the team this season."
How to use revelation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething newly and often dramatically made known, or a pleasant surprise.
Common pairings
a shocking revelation
come as a revelation
a revelation to watch
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Word forms
- Plural
- revelations
Fill the gap
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The newspaper's _____ about the hidden tunnel amazed local residents.
Etymology
From Latin revelatio, "disclosure," from revelare, "to uncover" — re- ("back") + velare ("to cover").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for revelation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for revelation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “revelation” mean?
The word “revelation” means something surprising or previously unknown that is made known, often dramatically. In plain terms, something newly and often dramatically made known, or a pleasant surprise.
How do you pronounce “revelation”?
“Revelation” is pronounced rehv-uh-LAY-shuhn (/ˌɹɛv.əˈleɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “revelation” in a sentence?
Here is “revelation” used in a sentence: “The book's final chapter contains a shocking revelation.”
What part of speech is “revelation”?
“Revelation” is a noun.
Where does the word “revelation” come from?
The word “revelation” comes from Latin. From Latin revelatio, "disclosure," from revelare, "to uncover" — re- ("back") + velare ("to cover").
Is “revelation” a common word?
“Revelation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “revelation” have?
“Revelation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something surprising or previously unknown that is made known, often dramatically.
What is the difference between a revelation and a realization?
A revelation is a surprising fact that is made known to you, often coming from an outside source and revealed dramatically. A realization is an understanding you arrive at yourself, an internal moment of grasping something.
What is the difference between a revelation and a disclosure?
A disclosure is the act of making information known, often deliberate, formal, or legally required. A revelation emphasizes the surprising or dramatic nature of what is revealed, regardless of how it came out.
Is the Bible book called Revelation or Revelations?
The final book of the New Testament is correctly called 'Revelation,' singular, not 'Revelations.' Adding an s is a very common mistake.
