revelation

USAGE SUMMARY

"revelation" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has been revealed, such as a surprising insight or a new piece of information. For example, "The revelation that the company had been lying to customers was shocking news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A revelation.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was a revelation.

The New York Times

Lehmann, who died aged 104 in 1993, studied earthquakes to find that the Earth had both an inner and outer core, a revelation which redefined how the planet was studied.

The Guardian - Tech

He's not a socialist, just an ordinary liberal American, and he thought it was a revelation.

The Guardian

If there was some low comedy in the revelation at Cook's post-match press conference that the only message of support he has so far received from his employers came from a story on the England and Wales Cricket Board website that appeared on his smartphone on Sunday morning, then even in the wake of a 281-run defeat in Sydney it still seems likely that his desire to stay will be rewarded.

The Guardian - Sport

The revelation came in a Dazed interview with the 28-year-old Transformers star, which was also staged as a performance called #INTERVIEW; after exchanging emails, LaBeouf and the writer Aimee Cliff met in person and sat face-to-face in silence for an hour, filming each other with GoPro cameras strapped to their heads.

The Guardian - Film

The revelation appears to muddy the waters in the debate about whether schools should receive any warning over when inspectors are coming, though the DfE says the correct process was followed.

The Guardian

Updated at 4.43pm BST Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 4.15pm BST16:15 My colleague Henry McDonald has identified another significant revelation in the hearing.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 3.27pm BST15:27 My colleague Henry McDonald, the Guardian's Belfast correspondent, has sent me his snap reaction to the revelation about 95 "on-the-runs" being linked to 200 murders.

The Guardian

The revelation that Shell has used its sponsorship deal to try to influence the Science Museum's climate change exhibit shows that this is clearly not the case.

The Guardian

Labor seized on Fraser's comments about the need to review super tax concessions as "an embarrassing revelation for the Abbott government".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "revelation" when you want to emphasize the unveiling or discovery of something previously unknown or hidden. It often carries a sense of surprise or significance.

Common error

Avoid using "revelation" for trivial or insignificant discoveries. Reserve it for instances where the information revealed is genuinely surprising or impactful. Instead of "revelation" consider using "finding", "discovery" or "observation" for everyday scenario.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "revelation" is a noun, often functioning as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the act of revealing or something that is revealed, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "revelation" is a versatile noun commonly used to describe the act of revealing something or the item that is revealed. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that "revelation" is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in news and media, although less so in formal or scientific writing. When using "revelation", remember to reserve it for instances where a previously hidden or unknown piece of information is brought to light, distinguishing it from simpler terms like “discovery”. By following these guidelines, you can effectively employ “revelation” in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eye-opening discovery

Emphasizes the surprising and informative nature of the discovery.

startling disclosure

Highlights the unexpected and potentially unsettling aspect of the information being revealed.

unexpected insight

Focuses on the sudden understanding gained.

striking realization

Suggests a powerful and impactful awareness.

significant unveiling

Implies a deliberate and important act of revealing something.

major breakthrough

Indicates a significant advancement or discovery.

key disclosure

Emphasizes the importance and significance of the information revealed.

important discovery

Highlights the importance of the finding.

critical insight

Focuses on the crucial nature of the understanding gained.

unforeseen disclosure

Implies that the information revealed was unexpected and not planned.

FAQs

How can I use "revelation" in a sentence?

You can use "revelation" to describe the act of disclosing something, or the thing that is disclosed. For example, "The "revelation" of his secret identity shocked everyone."

What are some synonyms for "revelation"?

Some synonyms for "revelation" include "disclosure", "discovery", "unveiling", and "epiphany" depending on the specific context.

Is "revelation" a formal or informal word?

"Revelation" is generally considered a neutral to formal word, suitable for both academic and general writing. Its formality depends on the context in which it is used.

What is the difference between "revelation" and "discovery"?

"Revelation" often implies something previously hidden or secret being made known, while "discovery" simply means finding something new or unexpected. A "revelation" is a specific type of "discovery" that brings something hidden to light.