Difference Wiki

Conceal vs. Hide: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 19, 2023
"Conceal often implies intention and deliberation, keeping something secret; Hide is broader, meaning to put something out of sight, either literally or figuratively."

Key Differences

"Conceal" implies a sense of intentionality, often used when someone actively and deliberately ensures something is kept secret or out of view. "Hide" can also imply intentionality but is used in a broader sense, referring to the act of placing something where it will not be easily seen or found.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
When someone chooses to "conceal" something, it often suggests a level of strategic thought, perhaps because the item or information is sensitive or private. To "hide" doesn't necessarily carry the same weight of strategy; it can be a spontaneous action and applies to a wide range of scenarios, not always secretive in nature.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
In legal or formal contexts, "conceal" is often used to indicate the intentional suppression of information or evidence. "Hide" is less formal and can refer to a simple physical action, like hiding one's eyes during a surprise, without the connotation of suppressing information.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
"Conceal" often carries with it a sense of protecting something from discovery, sometimes for nefarious reasons, or to prevent harm or unwanted attention. "Hide" is a more neutral term, applicable from playful contexts like a hide-and-seek game to serious matters like hiding from danger.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
While both "conceal" and "hide" can pertain to physical objects or emotions, "conceal" is more commonly used in reference to immaterial things, like one's feelings or intentions. Conversely, "hide" is more commonly associated with tangible objects, though it can be used figuratively as well.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Implication

Intentional, often secretive
General, no implied secrecy
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Use

More formal, often legal contexts
Common, varied contexts
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Object

Both tangible and intangible
Often tangible
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Connotation

Potentially protective or deceptive
Neutral, literal or figurative
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Versatility

Less versatile, more specific usage
More versatile, broad usage
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
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Conceal and Hide Definitions

Conceal

To prevent something from being seen or known about.
The documents were concealed within a false wall.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023

Hide

To put or keep out of sight.
He decided to hide the letter in a drawer.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023

Conceal

To keep from sight; hide.
She concealed the gift behind her back.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Hide

To seek protection by concealing oneself.
They had to hide from the enemy.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023

Conceal

To keep something secret.
He concealed his true intentions from her.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
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Hide

To put or keep out of sight or away from notice
Hid the money in a sock.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Conceal

To place out of sight.
The path was concealed by heavy foliage.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Hide

To prevent the disclosure or recognition of; conceal
Tried to hide the facts.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Conceal

To withhold knowledge of something.
She concealed the fact that she had graduated at the top of her class.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023

Hide

To cut off from sight; cover up
Clouds hid the stars.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Conceal

To keep from being observed or discovered; hide. ]
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

To avert (one's gaze), especially in shame or grief.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Conceal

(transitive) To hide something from view or from public knowledge, to try to keep something secret.
He tried to conceal the truth about his health.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

To keep oneself out of sight or notice.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Conceal

To hide or withdraw from observation; to cover; to cover or keep from sight; to prevent the discovery of; to withhold knowledge of.
It is the glory of God to conceal a thing.
Declare ye among the nations, . . . publish and conceal not.
He which finds him shall deserve our thanks, . . . He that conceals him, death.
Bur double griefs afflict concealing hearts.
Both dissemble deeply their affections.
We have in these words a primary sense, which reveals a future state, and a secondary sense, which hides and secretes it.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

To seek refuge or respite
"no place to hide from boredom or anger or loneliness" (Matt Teague).
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Conceal

Prevent from being seen or discovered;
Muslim women hide their faces
Hide the money
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

To beat severely; flog.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Conceal

Hold back; keep from being perceived by others;
She conceals her anger well
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

The skin of an animal, especially the thick tough skin or pelt of a large animal.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

An old English measure of land, usually the amount held adequate for one free family and its dependents.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

(transitive) To put (something) in a place where it will be harder to discover or out of sight.
He hides his magazines under the bed.
The politicians were accused of keeping information hidden from the public.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

(intransitive) To put oneself in a place where one will be harder to find or out of sight.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

To beat with a whip made from hide.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

(countable) The skin of an animal.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

The human skin.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

One's own life or personal safety, especially when in peril.
To save his own hide
Better watch his hide
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

(countable) mainly British A covered structure from which hunters, birdwatchers, etc can observe animals without scaring them.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

A secret room for hiding oneself or valuables; a hideaway.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

(countable) A covered structure to which a pet animal can retreat, as is recommended for snakes.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

(historical) A unit of land and tax assessment of varying size, originally as intended to support one household with dependents.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

To conceal, or withdraw from sight; to put out of view; to secrete.
A city that is set on an hill can not be hid.
If circumstances lead me, I will findWhere truth is hid.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

To withhold from knowledge; to keep secret; to refrain from avowing or confessing.
Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

To remove from danger; to shelter.
In the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

To lie concealed; to keep one's self out of view; to be withdrawn from sight or observation.
Bred to disguise, in public 'tis you hide.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

To flog; to whip.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

An abode or dwelling.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

The skin of an animal, either raw or dressed; - generally applied to the undressed skins of the larger domestic animals, as oxen, horses, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

The human skin; - so called in contempt.
O tiger's heart, wrapped in a woman's hide!
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

The dressed skin of an animal (especially a large animal)
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

Body covering of a living animal
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

Prevent from being seen or discovered;
Muslim women hide their faces
Hide the money
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

Be or go into hiding; keep out of sight, as for protection and safety;
Probably his horse would be close to where he was hiding
She is hiding out in a cabin in Montana
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

Cover as if with a shroud;
The origins of this civilization are shrouded in mystery
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

Make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring or concealing;
A hidden message
A veiled threat
Sawaira Riaz
Dec 31, 2022

Hide

To conceal from the view or notice of others.
She tried to hide her disappointment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Hide

To obscure or cover up.
The moon was hidden by clouds.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023

Hide

To keep secret.
I chose to hide my feelings.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023

FAQs

Is "conceal" more formal than "hide"?

Generally, "conceal" is used in more formal or legal contexts.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023

Does "conceal" always imply intent?

Typically, yes; it suggests a deliberate effort.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

What's another word for "conceal"?

Disguise, mask, or veil.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023

Is "conceal" used for physical objects only?

No, it can also refer to emotions or information.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Can "hide" refer to emotions?

Yes, people often hide their feelings.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023

Is "hide" a casual term?

It's more common and used in everyday language.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Does "hide" mean deception?

Not necessarily; it's a broader term without the connotation of deceit.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Is "concealing" evidence illegal?

It can be, in certain legal contexts.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Can "hide" be unintentional?

Yes, one can hide things unknowingly or accidentally.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Are there synonyms for "hide"?

Yes, like obscure, cover, or shield.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Can someone "hide" their background?

They can try, by not revealing their past.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023

Can "conceal" imply deception?

It can, especially if information is intentionally withheld.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023

Do animals "hide"?

Yes, often for protection or hunting.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023

Is it wrong to "hide" things?

It depends on the context and intention.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Can you "conceal" your thoughts?

Yes, by not expressing or revealing them.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Is "hiding" always physical?

No, it can also be figurative, like hiding one's true self.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023

Can animals "conceal" themselves?

They can, often as a survival strategy.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023

Can "hide" be used in gaming?

Yes, like in "hide-and-seek."
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023

Does "conceal" mean to protect?

Sometimes, it's used to prevent something from being found or known.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023

Is "concealment" used in insurance?

Yes, it refers to hiding important information.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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