揭示

• Pinyin: jiē shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 揭 = 扌(hand) + 曷 — to uncover; 示 = to show, demonstrate

Meaning

To reveal; to disclose; to bring to light. Making something previously unknown or unclear apparent.

More neutral and academic than 揭露. Often used in research, analysis, and philosophical contexts to describe revealing insights, patterns, or underlying truths. Common in scientific papers and scholarly writing.

Examples

1. 这项研究揭示了睡眠质量与心理健康之间的密切关系。 This research reveals the close relationship between sleep quality and mental health.
2. 考古发现揭示了古代文明的生活方式。 Archaeological discoveries have revealed the lifestyle of ancient civilizations.
3. 数据分析揭示出消费者行为的新趋势。 Data analysis reveals new trends in consumer behavior.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, research, analysis

Tone: scholarly

Do Say

• 实验结果揭示了一个重要规律。(The experimental results revealed an important pattern.)
• 这篇论文揭示了新的研究方向。(This paper points to new research directions.)

Don't Say

• 在口语中过度使用'揭示' (Don't overuse 揭示 in casual speech — it sounds overly academic; use 说明 or 显示 instead)

Origin & History

Composed of 揭 (to lift; to uncover) + 示 (to show; to reveal). Together they describe the action of showing or demonstrating something that was previously hidden or unclear.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Academic and professional contexts