riv-EE-ling
/ɹɪˈvilɪŋ/
revealing is pronounced riv-EE-ling (/ɹɪˈvilɪŋ/). Revealing means causing something to become visible or known; it can describe information that is presented or shared in a way that discloses previously hidden details. The term often conveys a sense of uncovering or exposing truth, sometimes with suggestive or unintended implications. It functions as an adjective and, less commonly, a present participle describing ongoing action.
Revealing means causing something to become visible or known; it can describe information that is presented or shared in a way that discloses previously hidden details. The term often conveys a sense of uncovering or exposing truth, sometimes with suggestive or unintended implications. It functions as an adjective and, less commonly, a present participle describing ongoing action.
"The detective's revealing new evidence changed the course of the investigation."
"Her speech was revealing about the challenges she faced growing up."
"The photo album is revealing, showing moments people usually keep private."
Pronounce as rɪ-ˈviː.lɪŋ with primary stress on the second syllable: re-VEAL-ing. Start with a short r, then a quick reduced vowel in the first syllable, then a clear long E in the stressed syllable, ending with a light -ing. In careful speech you’ll hear the two clear consonants ‘l’ and ‘ng’ at the end. Audio references: you can compare with Cambridge or Oxford dictionaries online for pronunciation samples.
Common errors: 1) Misplacing the primary stress on the first syllable (re-VEAL-ing is incorrect; stress is on VEAL). 2) Reducing the second syllable too much, making it rɪ-ˈviːl-ɪŋ instead of -lɪŋ; keep the final -ing as a light, unstressed -ɪŋ. 3) Slurring the long E so it sounds like a short /e/; ensure the vowel is /iː/. Corrections: place the stress on the second syllable, maintain /iː/ for the stressed vowel, and keep /l/ and /ŋ/ distinct at the end.
In US/UK/AU, the main difference is vowel quality in the stressed /iː/ in VEAL: US often uses a clear /iː/ with less vowel sharpening, UK tends to a slightly tenser /iː/ and AU mirrors US but with broader vowel coloration and less rhoticity differences. The final /ŋ/ remains consistent. Rhotic vs non-rhotic influence mainly affects preceding vowels only when followed by an /r/—not in revealing, but overall vowel quality slight shifts occur among accents.
The challenge lies in the long vowel /iː/ in the stressed second syllable and the quick transition from /l/ to /ɪŋ/. Some speakers also unintentionally reduce the second syllable or place stress on the first syllable. Focus on a crisp /iː/ in VEAL, keep the /l/ clearly pronounced, and finish with a clean, nasal /ŋ/. Practicing with slow, syllable-by-syllable pacing helps solidify position.
No—revealing is typically two syllables with the -ing as part of the second syllable (re-VEAL-ing is two beats). The -ing suffix is light, not a full extra syllable; the rhythm is stress on VEAL, with the final -ing forming a quick, unstressed ending. In careful speech you’ll hear the final /ɪŋ/ clearly, but it remains connected to the preceding /l/ rather than a separate vowel sound.
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- US: Slightly flatter, less clipped final consonants; emphasize the /iː/ in VEAL, ensure /l/ is clear before /ɪŋ/. - UK: Tighter, slightly tenser /iː/; less vocalic color; tappable /l/. - AU: Broad vowel palette; maintain /iː/ but with marginally broader mouth shape and less length differentiation before -ŋ. IPA anchors: US /rɪˈviːlɪŋ/, UK /rɪˈviːlɪŋ/, AU /ɹɪˈviːlɪŋ/.
Revealing derives from Old French reveler, meaning to uncover or expose, with the suffix -ing forming a present participle/adjective from the verb revealing. The root is linked to Latin revelare, composed of re- (back, again) and velare (to cover, veil); the sense evolved from exposing or unmasking to describing something that makes truth or details visible or known. In Middle English, forms related to reveling appeared in contexts of uncovering or bringing to light, gradually taking on the modern sense of making information public or that which is uncovering hidden details. By the 17th–18th centuries, revealing was commonly used to describe actions that disclose facts or traits, and today it also often carries a connotation of exposure—sometimes deliberately provocative. The term has kept its core core meaning across dialects, with nuance shifting toward either neutral disclosure or suggestive revelation depending on context.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "revealing" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "revealing" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "revealing"
-ing sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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