Cool MateConceal vs You hide
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Conceal
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)C1verb
You hide
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: ConcealMost common: You hide
| Conceal | You hide | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //kənˈsiːl//🇺🇸 //kənˈsil// | 🇬🇧 //juː haɪd//🇺🇸 //ju haɪd// |
| Meaning | To hide something so that it cannot be seen or found. | You keep something out of sight. |
| Example | He tried to conceal his feelings from everyone. | You hide the truth from your friends. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | conceal from others, conceal the truth, conceal evidence | hide something, you hide well, hide away |
| Antonyms | reveal, expose, disclose | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'reveal' - opposite meaning., Using 'concel' - misspelling., Confusing with 'disguise' - different meaning. | Using it in a more formal context., Confusing it with 'you hid' for past tense., Misusing for 'hide away' which implies to hide oneself for a long time. |
| Usage notes | Use 'conceal' in formal contexts, such as writing or serious discussions. Avoid casual conversation. | Use in casual conversation when discussing secrets or hiding items. Avoid in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Conceal vs You hide
What's the difference between Conceal and You hide?
Conceal: To hide something so that it cannot be seen or found. You hide: You keep something out of sight.
Which is more formal: Conceal and You hide?
Conceal is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Conceal and You hide?
You hide is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Conceal: He tried to conceal his feelings from everyone. You hide: You hide the truth from your friends.
Can I use Conceal and You hide interchangeably?
Not always. Conceal and You hide are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.