revelatory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "revelatory" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that reveals or makes something known, often in a surprising or enlightening way. Example: "The documentary was revelatory, shedding light on the hidden aspects of the historical event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But no, we mustn't fall into the old traps, because the more insistent these allegations become, the more revelatory the establishment is getting about Prince Andrew's efficacy in his deceptively nebulous role.

The Guardian - Opinion

Turrell's concerns, though, are both ancient and modern: his fascination with perception and the revelatory properties of light – of stars, sun or sky – is as old as man.

The Guardian - Arts

I also relished Desert Island Discs generally, but the Kathy Burke edition (August) in particular: this was fine radio, revelatory and life-affirming, and nothing more complicated than a chat over some music.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Great teachers are those that have such a revelatory impact on their students that it might shape their future destiny.

The Guardian - Arts

Which is fine, but the problem is that there's not anything especially revelatory here: the cast of characters – the gruff patriarch, the diametrically opposed brothers – all feel very tired, and its dialogue sags rather than snaps.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Ideas can be revelatory, exciting and inspiring even when they are dead wrong.

The Guardian - Arts

And bravo for this modest, poetic, revelatory piece of television.

The Guardian

It's released at the end of this month and, with Polley directing, it pieces together an extraordinary family history in a quietly revelatory way.

The Guardian - Film

Research published this weekend by Screen Australia, examining the strength of the Australian film industry, said the film was the "most widely (spontaneously) discussed film of the entire study, with participants of both genders and across all age groups sharing how revelatory, thought-provoking and even transformative they found it".

The Guardian - Film

It's hardly revelatory stuff.

The Guardian - Business

The young prince is more loyal than revelatory about his grandmother, explaining that her "gravitas" awes even her family, that she offers good advice and was "so excited" by her 2011 state visit to Ireland.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "revelatory" to describe experiences, events, or information that significantly changes one's understanding of a topic.

Common error

Avoid using "revelatory" to describe mundane or trivial discoveries. Reserve it for situations where a genuine and profound understanding is gained.

Linguistic Context

The word "revelatory" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that reveals or makes known something previously unknown. According to Ludwig AI, its standard usage makes it grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

8%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "revelatory" is an adjective used to describe something that unveils previously unknown information, leading to a significant shift in understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While appropriate for formal writing, it should be reserved for genuinely profound insights rather than trivial discoveries. The phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science sources. Alternatives include "revealing", "illuminating", and "eye-opening", each with slightly different connotations. When using "revelatory", ensure it accurately reflects the depth and impact of the information being conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

revealing

Focuses on the act of uncovering or disclosing information.

illuminating

Suggests shedding light on a subject, making it clearer.

eye-opening

Emphasizes the surprise or shock of a new discovery.

enlightening

Highlights the gain of knowledge and understanding.

disclosing

Implies making something previously secret now known.

unveiling

Suggests a formal or ceremonial revealing.

exposing

Often used when revealing something scandalous or hidden.

divulging

Refers to sharing confidential or sensitive information.

indicative

Implies pointing something towards something else, as in foreshadowing

suggestive

Hints at something without explicitly stating it.

FAQs

How can I use "revelatory" in a sentence?

You can use "revelatory" to describe an experience, piece of information, or event that provides significant insight or understanding. For example, "The documentary was a "revelatory" experience, completely changing my perspective."

What are some alternatives to the word "revelatory"?

Alternatives include "revealing", "illuminating", "eye-opening", and "enlightening". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "revelatory" in formal writing?

Yes, "revelatory" is appropriate for formal writing when describing something that provides significant new understanding or insight. Ensure that its use is justified by the context and the magnitude of the information being revealed.

What's the difference between "revelatory" and "informative"?

"Informative" means providing useful information, while "revelatory" suggests uncovering something previously unknown or hidden, often leading to a significant shift in understanding. A source can be informative without being "revelatory", but a "revelatory" source is always informative.