Jamb vs. Reveal: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 14, 2023
A jamb is the vertical side of a door or window frame. Reveal is the side of an opening for a window or door between the frame and the outer surface or the act of making something known.

Key Differences
A jamb refers to the vertical side parts of a door or window frame, providing structural support. On the contrary, reveal has a dual meaning; architecturally, it denotes the side of an opening for a window or door between the frame and the outer surface. Moreover, in general context, to reveal means to disclose or make something known.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
While jamb is a specific term mostly used in architecture and construction, reveal has a broader usage in the English language. The reveal can be both a noun, referring to a part of a structure, and a verb, indicating the action of showing or disclosing something.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Jambs play an essential role in the construction and installation of doors and windows, ensuring they sit correctly within a structure. On the other hand, reveal as an architectural term might describe how much of a window or door is visible, while as a verb, it's about disclosure and presentation.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
When discussing door or window installation, one might refer to both jamb and reveal. The jamb being the structural component, and the reveal discussing the aesthetic and functional aspects of how the window or door appears within its setting. In everyday conversation, however, reveal is more likely to be understood as disclosing something hidden.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Vertical side of a door or window frame.
Side of an opening or the act of disclosing.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
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Usage
Architectural and construction contexts.
Broad usage, both architecturally and generally.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Field of Application
Door and window structures.
Architectural design and everyday language.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Etymology
From French "jambe" meaning "leg."
From Latin "revelare" meaning "unveil."

Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Jamb and Reveal Definitions
Jamb
Vertical side of a door or window frame.
The door jamb was painted a bright blue.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
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Reveal
The side of an opening for a window or door between the frame and the outer surface.
The reveal of the window was decorated with tiles.

Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Reveal
The act of displaying or showing something.
The big reveal at the end of the movie was unexpected.

Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Jamb
Upright surface forming the side of an opening.
She leaned against the jamb, waiting for him to arrive.

Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Reveal
To uncover or bring to light.
The magician was about to reveal his final trick.

Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
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Jamb
Structural support for doors or windows.
The carpenter checked the jamb for any damages.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Jamb
The side piece of a frame, especially for a door or window.
The jamb needed replacement after years of wear and tear.

Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Reveal
To make known (something concealed or unknown)
She revealed that she was pregnant. The study revealed the toxic effects of the pollutant.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Jamb
One of a pair of vertical posts or pieces that together form the sides of an opening, as for a door, window, or fireplace.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
To cause to be seen; show
The curtains parted, revealing a ballerina. The x-ray revealed a broken bone.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
To make known by supernatural or divine means
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven" (Romans 1:18).

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Jamb
Either of the vertical components that form the side of an opening in a wall, such as that of a door frame, window frame, or fireplace.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
The making known of an important, secret, or salient occurrence, such as the revealing of a major development, plot twist, or visual effect in a movie
"Seeing [the Wiz] in human form in the first act diminishes the power of the reveal in the second" (Bob Verini).

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Jamb
(mining) Any thick mass of rock that prevents miners from following the lode or vein.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
The part of the side of a window or door opening that is between the outer surface of a wall and the window or door frame.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Jamb
The vertical side of any opening, as a door or fireplace; hence, less properly, any narrow vertical surface of wall, as the of a chimney-breast or of a pier, as distinguished from its face.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Jamb
Any thick mass of rock which prevents miners from following the lode or vein.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
A revelation; an uncovering of what was hidden in the scene or story.
The comedian had been telling us about his sleep being disturbed by noise. Then came the reveal: he was sleeping on a bed in a department store.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
(transitive) To communicate that which could not be known or discovered without divine or supernatural instruction.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
To make known (that which has been concealed or kept secret); to unveil; to disclose; to show.
Light was the wound, the prince's care unknown,She might not, would not, yet reveal her own.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
Specifically, to communicate (that which could not be known or discovered without divine or supernatural instruction or agency).

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
The side of an opening for a window, doorway, or the like, between the door frame or window frame and the outer surface of the wall; or, where the opening is not filled with a door, etc., the whole thickness of the wall; the jamb.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
Make visible;
Summer brings out bright clothes
He brings out the best in her
The newspaper uncovered the President's illegal dealings

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
Make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret;
The auction house would not disclose the price at which the van Gogh had sold
The actress won't reveal how old she is
Bring out the truth
He broke the news to her

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
Make clear and visible;
The article revealed the policies of the government

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
Disclose directly or through prophets;
God rarely reveal his plans for Mankind

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 14, 2023
Reveal
To allow something to be seen.
He pulled back the curtain to reveal the new painting.

Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
FAQs
What does it mean to reveal a secret?
It means to disclose or make the secret known.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Is the jamb visible when a door is closed?
Generally, the jamb is covered by the door when closed, but the outer parts might still be visible.

Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
Can jamb be used as a verb?
Typically, jamb is used as a noun. The verb form, "jambing", is less common and refers to the act of fitting into a jamb.

Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Can a jamb be decorative?
Yes, jambs can be plain or intricately designed and decorative, depending on architectural style.

Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
How is reveal used in a sentence?
As a verb: "She will reveal the news tomorrow." As a noun: "The window's reveal was intricately designed."

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Is jamb an English word?
Yes, jamb is an English word derived from the French "jambe," meaning "leg."

Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
What is a jamb in architecture?
A jamb is the vertical side of a door or window frame.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Are jambs only associated with doors?
No, jambs can be associated with both doors and windows.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
How does reveal relate to movies?
In movies, a reveal can refer to a pivotal moment where crucial information or a twist is disclosed.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
How is reveal used in architecture?
In architecture, a reveal is the side of an opening for a window or door between the frame and the outer surface.

Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Can reveal refer to appearance?
Yes, for instance, a dress might reveal a person's shoulders, meaning it shows them.

Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
How does a reveal relate to a surprise?
A reveal can be the moment when a surprise is made known or shown.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Can reveal be used in the context of emotions?
Yes, one can reveal emotions, meaning to show or express them openly.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
What materials are jambs typically made of?
Jambs can be made of wood, metal, or other sturdy materials depending on the type and purpose of the door or window.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can reveal be a noun?
Yes, reveal can be both a verb (to show or disclose) and a noun (the side of an opening or the act of revealing).

Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
Can windows have jambs?
Yes, windows have jambs which are the vertical sides of the window frame.

Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
How thick is a typical door jamb?
The thickness can vary, but residential door jambs in the U.S. are often around 4.5 to 5.5 inches thick.

Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Are jambs essential for the installation of doors?
Yes, jambs provide the structural support needed for the correct functioning and positioning of doors.

Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
What's the relationship between a reveal and a hint?
While a hint suggests or alludes to something, a reveal makes it known or displays it openly.

Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
What's the opposite of reveal?
The opposite of reveal could be "conceal" or "hide."

Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 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
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
