Choose conceal when the hidden thing remains present but is covered, tucked away, or screened from view.
Choose conceal when the hidden thing remains present but is covered, tucked away, or screened from view.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| She conceal the gift under the bed. | She conceals the gift under the bed. |
| He concealed the documents under the drawer. | He concealed the documents in the drawer. |
| The curtains conceal from the window. | The curtains conceal the window. |
| I concealed the box to him. | I concealed the box from him. |
Choose conceal for deliberate withholding of information, especially when secrecy or avoidance of discovery matters.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| They concealed the losses investors. | They concealed the losses from investors. |
| He concealed about his past. | He concealed his past. |
| The report concealed us the risk. | The report concealed the risk from us. |
| She concealed her disappointment to smile. | She concealed her disappointment with a smile. |
Conceal is more formal than hide and often suggests care, intention, or a wish to prevent discovery.
Conceal from is needed before the person kept unaware, as in concealed the truth from us, not concealed us the truth.
From Anglo-French and Old French conceler, from Latin concēlāre, formed from com- and cēlāre, “to hide.”
What does conceal mean?
Conceal means to keep something from being seen or known.
Is conceal the same as hide?
Hide is broader and more everyday. Conceal often sounds more deliberate, careful, or formal.
Can conceal describe emotions?
Yes. A person can conceal anger, disappointment, fear, or another feeling.
What preposition follows conceal?
From names the person kept unaware, as in conceal the facts from the public.
What is the past tense of conceal?
The past tense and past participle are concealed.
Where does conceal come from?
It comes through French from Latin concēlāre, built on cēlāre, meaning “to hide.”