Conceal vs Concealment: Unraveling Commonly Confused Terms

When it comes to the English language, there are often words that are similar in meaning, yet have subtle differences that can make all the difference in conveying the intended message. One such pair of words is conceal and concealment.

So, which of the two is the proper word to use in a given situation? Well, it could be both, depending on the context. Generally speaking, conceal means to keep something hidden or secret, while concealment refers to the act of hiding or keeping something secret.

Throughout this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and examine how to use them effectively in writing and everyday conversation.

Define Conceal

Conceal is a verb that means to hide or keep something secret or out of sight. It involves intentionally keeping something from being seen, known, or discovered by others. The act of concealing can be done in various ways, such as covering, camouflaging, or disguising an object or information.

Define Concealment

Concealment is a noun that refers to the state of being hidden or kept secret. It can also mean the act of hiding or covering something to prevent it from being seen or discovered. Concealment can be deliberate or unintentional, and it can involve physical objects or abstract concepts like emotions or intentions.

Concealment can also be used in legal contexts, where it refers to the act of hiding assets or income to avoid paying taxes or debts. In this sense, concealment is considered illegal and can result in penalties or legal action.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the right words in the right context is crucial. The difference between two words that seem similar can be significant. In this section, we will explore how to use the words conceal and concealment correctly in a sentence.

How To Use Conceal In A Sentence

The word conceal is a verb that means to hide or keep something secret. Here are some examples of how to use conceal in a sentence:

• She tried to conceal her disappointment when she didn’t get the job.
• The thief was caught trying to conceal the stolen goods in his bag.
• He had to conceal his identity to avoid being recognized by his enemies.

As you can see, conceal is often used to describe a deliberate action of hiding something from others. It can be used to refer to physical objects or abstract concepts such as emotions or intentions.

How To Use Concealment In A Sentence

The word concealment is a noun that refers to the act of hiding something or the state of being hidden. Here are some examples of how to use concealment in a sentence:

• The camouflage jacket provided excellent concealment in the forest.
• The company’s concealment of their financial losses was eventually exposed.
• The spy relied on his skills of concealment to gather information undetected.

Concealment is often used to describe a situation or condition where something is hidden or kept secret. It can be used to refer to physical objects or abstract concepts such as intentions or motives.

Knowing the difference between conceal and concealment can help you communicate more effectively in your writing. By using these words correctly, you can convey your message clearly and avoid confusion.

More Examples Of Conceal & Concealment Used In Sentences

In order to better understand the nuances between “conceal” and “concealment,” it’s helpful to explore how these words are used in various contexts. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using “Conceal” In A Sentence

• He tried to conceal his disappointment when he didn’t get the job.
• The thief concealed the stolen goods in his backpack.
• The witness was asked to conceal his identity for his own safety.
• She used makeup to conceal the dark circles under her eyes.
• The government attempted to conceal the truth from the public.
• The magician was able to conceal the rabbit in his hat.
• The spy was trained to conceal his emotions and remain calm under pressure.
• The artist used shading to conceal the imperfections in his drawing.
• The hiker tried to conceal his fear of heights from his companions.
• The company tried to conceal the fact that they were laying off employees.

Examples Of Using “Concealment” In A Sentence

• The camouflage provided excellent concealment for the soldiers in the forest.
• The hiding place was chosen for its excellent concealment.
• He was charged with obstruction of justice for his concealment of evidence.
• The detective was praised for his excellent concealment during the stakeout.
• The spy’s concealment of classified information put national security at risk.
• The burglar’s concealment behind the bushes was not enough to evade the police.
• The magician’s concealment of the rabbit was so convincing that the audience was amazed.
• The hunter’s concealment in the blind allowed him to get a clear shot at the deer.
• The witness’s concealment of the truth was revealed during cross-examination.
• The thief’s concealment of his identity made it difficult for the police to catch him.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “conceal” and “concealment,” many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Conceal” When “Concealment” Is More Appropriate

One common mistake is using “conceal” when “concealment” is the more appropriate choice. “Concealment” refers to the act of hiding something or the state of being hidden, while “conceal” simply means to hide or keep something secret. For example:

• Incorrect: The conceal of the weapon was impressive.
• Correct: The concealment of the weapon was impressive.

Using “Concealment” When “Conceal” Is More Appropriate

On the other hand, some people use “concealment” when “conceal” is the more appropriate choice. “Conceal” is the verb form of the word, while “concealment” is the noun form. For example:

• Incorrect: The suspect was charged with conceal from the police.
• Correct: The suspect was charged with concealing information from the police.

Using “Conceal” Or “Concealment” In The Wrong Context

Another mistake is using “conceal” or “concealment” in the wrong context. It’s important to use the correct word depending on the situation. For example:

Word	Correct Context	Incorrect Context
Concealment	The concealment of the treasure was expertly done.	The detective tried to concealment the evidence.
Conceal	The spy tried to conceal his identity.	The spy tried to concealment his identity.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the difference between “conceal” and “concealment.” Here are some tips:

• Use “concealment” when referring to the act of hiding something or the state of being hidden.
• Use “conceal” when referring to the act of hiding or keeping something secret.
• Double-check to make sure you’re using the correct word in the appropriate context.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “conceal” and “concealment,” context plays a significant role. Depending on the situation, one word may be more appropriate than the other.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “conceal” and “concealment” might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Appropriate Word Choice
Everyday Conversation	“I need to conceal this gift from my sister.”	Conceal
Legal Terminology	“The defendant attempted to conceal evidence.”	Concealment
Military Strategy	“The soldiers concealed themselves in the bushes.”	Concealed

In everyday conversation, “conceal” is a more common choice. For example, if you are trying to hide a gift from someone, you might say, “I need to conceal this gift from my sister.” In this context, “concealment” would sound overly formal and out of place.

However, in legal terminology, “concealment” is often the more appropriate choice. For example, if a defendant attempted to hide or cover up evidence, it would be referred to as “concealment.” Using “conceal” in this context could be seen as too casual and not specific enough.

In military strategy, “concealed” is often used to describe soldiers who are hiding themselves from the enemy. “Concealment” could also be used in this context, but “concealed” is the more common choice.

In conclusion, the choice between “conceal” and “concealment” depends on the context in which they are used. It is important to consider the tone and formality of the situation before deciding which word to use.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the usage of conceal and concealment follows a set of rules, there are exceptions to these rules. Here are some cases where the rules may not apply:

1. Legal Terminology

In legal terminology, the word concealment is often used to refer to the act of intentionally hiding or withholding information. In this context, concealment is not interchangeable with conceal. For instance, if a person conceals a weapon, they physically hide the weapon from view. However, if a person is found guilty of concealment in a legal case, it means they intentionally withheld information that could have affected the outcome of the case.

2. Colloquial Language

Colloquial language often allows for more flexibility in the use of words. In everyday conversations, people may use conceal and concealment interchangeably without adhering to any strict rules. For example, someone may say, “I concealed my emotions from him” or “I kept my emotions in concealment from him.” While the latter is not technically correct, it is commonly used and understood.

3. Regional Differences

Regional differences can also affect the usage of conceal and concealment. In some parts of the world, one word may be preferred over the other. For instance, in British English, concealment is often used in legal contexts, whereas in American English, conceal is more commonly used. In Australian English, both words are used interchangeably.

4. Contextual Usage

The context in which the words are used can also affect their usage. For example, in the phrase “concealed carry,” conceal is used to describe the act of hiding a weapon on one’s person. However, in the phrase “concealment of evidence,” concealment is used to describe the act of hiding or withholding information. Therefore, it is important to consider the context in which the words are used to determine whether to use conceal or concealment.

Practice Exercises

As with any language skill, practice is key to improving one’s understanding and use of vocabulary. Here are some practice exercises to help readers become more comfortable with using “conceal” and “concealment” in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Fill in the blank with either “conceal” or “concealment” to complete the sentence:

1. The spy used a fake mustache to __________ his identity.
2. The __________ of the stolen jewels was discovered in a hidden compartment.
3. She tried to __________ her disappointment when she didn’t get the job.
4. The magician’s trick involved the __________ of a rabbit in his hat.
5. The witness attempted to __________ the truth from the jury.

Answer Key:

1. conceal
2. concealment
3. conceal
4. concealment
5. conceal

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word, “conceal” or “concealment,” to complete the sentence:

1. The burglar attempted to __________ the stolen goods in his backpack.
2. The __________ of the evidence was a clear violation of the law.
3. She used her hair to __________ the scar on her forehead.
4. The __________ of the treasure map was the key to finding the buried treasure.
5. He tried to __________ his anger, but it was clear he was upset.

Answer Key:

1. conceal
2. concealment
3. conceal
4. concealment
5. conceal

By practicing these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and use of “conceal” and “concealment” in their writing and communication.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances of the words “conceal” and “concealment,” it is clear that these two terms are often used interchangeably, but they do have distinct differences in meaning.

Firstly, “conceal” refers to the act of hiding or keeping something out of sight, while “concealment” refers to the state of being hidden or kept out of sight.

Secondly, “concealment” can also refer to the act of intentionally hiding something, whereas “conceal” does not necessarily imply intent.

It is important to understand these differences in order to use these words correctly and effectively in writing and communication.

In conclusion, the key takeaway from this article is that while “conceal” and “concealment” are often used interchangeably, they do have distinct differences in meaning. By paying attention to these nuances, writers and communicators can ensure that their language use is precise and effective.

Finally, it is important to continue learning about grammar and language use in order to improve our communication skills and convey our ideas more effectively.