rivelare

Rivelare is an Italian verb meaning to reveal or disclose something that was hidden, making known a fact, truth, or secret. It can refer to exposing information, intentions, or motives, and is commonly used in both everyday speech and formal contexts. The verb can be used figuratively as well, for example to reveal a character trait or a motive.

Etymology: The word comes from Latin revelare, formed from re- “undo” or “unveil” and velare “to veil.” The sense is to lift the veil and bring into the light what was concealed.

Usage and grammar: Rivelare is a transitive verb and normally takes a direct object, as in rivelare una verità or rivelare un segreto. It can also be used with a indirect object meaning to reveal something to someone, as in rivelare qualcosa a qualcuno. In addition, rivelarsi exists as a pronominal form meaning “to prove to be” or “to turn out to be” (La verità si è rivelata). The verb is often followed by gerunds or infinitives in extended constructions. A common synonym is svelare, which can carry a slightly more literary or dramatic tone; divulgare emphasizes public dissemination.

Conjugation: Rivelare is a regular -are verb. Present indicative forms include io rivelo, tu riveli, lui rivela, noi riveliamo, voi rivelate, loro rivelano. The past participle is rivelato and the gerund is rivelando. Other tenses follow the standard -are conjugation patterns.

See also: rivelazione (revelation), svelare (to reveal), segreto (secret).