veil

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "veil" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "veil" when describing an article of clothing, a type of fabric, or something that obscures or conceals something else. For example, "The bride wore a white veil to cover her face as she walked down the aisle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I think it's for women to make a choice about what clothes they wish to wear, if they wish to wear a veil that is for a woman to make a choice.

The Guardian

"There will be some circumstances in which it's right for public bodies, for example at the border, at airport security, to say there is a practical necessity for asking somebody to remove a veil.

The Guardian

The G8 meeting I chaired in Northern Ireland also forged a ground-breaking initiative to stop the true owners of companies hiding behind a veil of secrecy, tackling the cancer of corruption that does so much to destroy countries and increase the risk to our own security.

The Guardian - Opinion

Moreover, if the new government stands in the way of women achieving equal citizenship they will not simply return to life under the veil, toiling obediently in their homes.

The Guardian

Even before his election in a largely forgotten interview with the youth magazine Chelcheragh, then presidential hopeful Rouhani hinted that even those who don't observe the Islamic veil in the "desired way" can be good people.

The Guardian

Describing the veil in that manner is unhelpful," she said.

The Guardian

The ruling followed calls by the Home Office minister, Jeremy Browne, for a national debate on whether the state should step in to prevent young women having the veil imposed upon them.

The Guardian

"I think it's for public bodies like the Border Force officials, it's for schools and colleges, and others like the judiciary, as we've recently seen, to make a judgment in relation to those cases as to whether it's necessary to ask somebody to remove the veil.

The Guardian

As the veil lifts further, the BBC should have a care.

The Guardian - Opinion

The home secretary, Theresa May, said the following week that it should be for judges to decide whether witnesses or defendants should be asked to remove a veil.

The Guardian

Browne earlier said he was "instinctively uneasy" about restricting religious freedoms, but added there may be a case to act to protect girls who were too young to decide for themselves whether they wished to wear the veil or not.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "veil" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being hidden or obscured. For instance, "a veil of secrecy" suggests hidden information.

Common error

Avoid using "veil" when a more specific term like "cloth", "sheet", or "cover" would be more appropriate. A literal "veil" typically refers to a specific type of covering, often thin and semi-transparent.

Linguistic Context

The word "veil" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a piece of material worn to cover the face or head. It can also function as a verb, meaning to cover or conceal. Ludwig AI confirms this dual functionality, evidenced by various examples where "veil" is used in both senses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "veil" is a versatile term that functions both as a noun and a verb, commonly used to describe something that covers or conceals. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can refer literally to a piece of cloth, it often takes on a metaphorical meaning, suggesting obscurity or secrecy. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being hidden when using it metaphorically, and avoid using it where a more specific term would be appropriate. Understanding these nuances will help writers use "veil" effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cover

Focuses on the act of concealing or protecting, similar to using a "veil".

mask

Emphasizes the disguise aspect, where something is hidden or misrepresented, like a figurative "veil".

cloak

Highlights concealment, suggesting something is hidden from view or understanding, akin to a "veil".

screen

Implies a barrier or obstruction, often used to protect or hide something, much like a "veil".

shroud

Indicates a covering that obscures or conceals, often with a sense of mystery or protection, like a "veil".

obscure

Focuses on making something unclear or indistinct, similar to the effect of a "veil".

conceal

Highlights the act of hiding something deliberately, much like using a "veil" to hide one's face.

disguise

Emphasizes altering appearance to conceal identity, similar to using a "veil" to change how one is perceived.

blanket

Indicates a widespread covering, suggesting something is completely hidden or affected, like a "veil" of secrecy.

curtain

Implies a separation or division, often used to hide or reveal something gradually, similar to a "veil".

FAQs

How can "veil" be used in a sentence?

The word "veil" can be used as a noun to refer to a piece of cloth worn by women to cover their head and face, or metaphorically to describe something that conceals or obscures. For example, "She wore a delicate lace veil" or "A veil of secrecy surrounded the project".

What are some synonyms for "veil"?

Synonyms for "veil" include "cover", "mask", "cloak", "screen", and "shroud", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to "lift the veil"?

To "lift the veil" means to reveal something that was previously hidden or secret. It implies uncovering or disclosing information that was not readily available or known. For example, "The investigation lifted the veil on the company's corrupt practices".

Is it correct to use "veil" as a verb?

Yes, "veil" can also be used as a verb, meaning to cover with a veil or to conceal. For example, "The mountains were veiled in mist" or "The truth was veiled by lies".