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
Connotation
Potentially protective or deceptive
Neutral, literal or figurative
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 seek protection by concealing oneself.
They had to hide from the enemy.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
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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
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
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
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
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
(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
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
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
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
Is "conceal" used for physical objects only?
No, it can also refer to emotions or information.
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
Can "hide" be unintentional?
Yes, one can hide things unknowingly or accidentally.
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
Is "hiding" always physical?
No, it can also be figurative, like hiding one's true self.
Sawaira Riaz
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 RiazSawaira 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 SaeedSumera 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.
