What is concealment? Pronunciation and usage in English

concealment means . Learn how to pronounce and use concealment through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of concealment

concealmentnoun

/kənˈsiːlmənt//kənˈsiːlmənt/

Okay, let's break down the pronunciation of "concealment." It can be a tricky word! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: The word is divided into three syllables:

  • Con-
  • Ceal-
  • ment

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • Con: Pronounced like "con" as in "connect." (Sounds like /kən/)
  • Ceal: This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "seal" but with a slightly softer "s" sound. Think of it like "seal" but almost a bit more like "sheal." (Sounds like /siːəl/)
  • ment: Pronounced like "ment" as in "moment." (Sounds like /mənt/)

3. Putting it Together:

So, the whole word is pronounced: kuhn-seal-ment (/kən-siːəl-mənt/)

Resources for Hearing It:

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Focus on the "seal" sound: This is the key to getting the word correct. Don't over-emphasize the "s" sound, but aim for a softer, smoother "sh" sound as in "she."
  • Don't stress the first syllable too much: It's a fairly neutral syllable.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Focus on a specific part of the word (like the "seal" syllable)?

Usage and examples with the word concealment in English

Let's break down how to use the word "concealment" effectively in English. It's a powerful word with a specific meaning.

1. What Does "Concealment" Mean?

At its core, "concealment" refers to the act of hiding something, typically something that shouldn't be seen or known. It involves deliberately keeping something secret. It's a noun.

2. Key Ways to Use It:

  • As a Noun (Most Common): This is the most frequent use.

    • Example: “The concealment of the evidence was a serious breach of protocol.” (Here, it refers to the act of hiding the evidence.)
    • Example: “She noticed a small pouch of jewels in a secret concealment in the drawer.” (Referring to the hidden place itself.)
    • Example: “The soldiers’ concealment in the forest made it difficult for the enemy to find them.” (Referring to the method of hiding.)

  • As a Verb (Less Common, but important to know): "Concealment" can also be used as a verb, meaning to hide or conceal something. It emphasizes the action of hiding.

    • Example: “He attempted to conceal his nervousness by smiling broadly.” (He tried to hide his nervousness.)
    • Example: “The authorities are investigating the concealment of the documents.” (The documents were hidden.)

3. Common Phrases and Contexts:

  • “Concealment of Identity”: Hiding your true name or identity.
  • “Concealment of Assets”: Hiding financial resources (often used in legal or investigative contexts).
  • “A place of concealment”: A hidden or secret location. (“He used the abandoned shed as a place of concealment.”)
  • “Successful concealment”: Hiding something so well that it remains undetected. (“The spy’s successful concealment of his intentions was remarkable.”)
  • "Due concealment": This phrase is used when someone takes reasonable steps to hide something, meaning they did what they could to prevent it from being found. ("The bank followed due concealment procedures when handling the sensitive documents.")

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Hiding
  • Secret
  • Masking
  • Covering up
  • Obscuring
  • Camouflage

5. Distinguishing from Similar Words:

  • Secret: A secret is simply something that is not known. Concealment is the process of making something a secret.
  • Hide: "Hide" is a more general term for putting something out of sight. "Concealment" implies a deliberate effort to keep something hidden, often with a degree of skill or planning.

Example Sentences Showing Different Uses:

  • Noun: “The police discovered the concealment of the stolen artwork in the attic.”
  • Verb: “She skillfully concealed her disappointment behind a cheerful facade.”
  • Phrase: “The cave offered a perfect concealment from the rain.”

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to write about? (e.g., a mystery, a historical event, a personal story?)
  • What's the specific sentence or idea you're working on where you want to use "concealment"?

Synonyms for the word concealment

Practice with vocabulary concealment

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The meticulous ___________ of financial records allowed the fraud to go undetected for years.
  2. Maintaining strict ___________ of client information is crucial for any legal firm to build trust.
  3. The investigative journalist revealed a massive ___________ orchestrated by government officials to hide their involvement.
  4. The special forces unit relied on natural terrain for effective ___________ during their reconnaissance mission.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms describes the act of deliberately hiding information or facts? a) revelation b) disclosure c) concealment d) dissimulation e) transparency

  2. For the sensitive negotiation, the team prioritized the complete ___________ of their strategic plans from their competitors. a) exposure b) secrecy c) concealment d) display e) disclosure

  3. The artist used clever techniques for the ___________ of the hidden symbols within the painting, making them visible only upon close inspection. a) exhibition b) manifestation c) display d) masking e) concealment

  4. Employees signed a non-disclosure agreement to ensure the ___________ of proprietary business processes. a) publicity b) confidentiality c) transparency d) revelation e) discretion

  5. The architect's presentation emphasized the ___________ of the building's innovative energy systems, not its hidden features. a) concealment b) exposure c) prominence d) visibility e) obscurity

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The government tried to hide its involvement in the scandal from the public. Rewrite: (Start with "The government's...")

  2. Original: It was difficult to identify the culprit because their face was completely hidden by a scarf. Rewrite: (Use a related word form of "concealment")

  3. Original: Effective communication requires the avoidance of ambiguity in instructions. Rewrite: (Do not use "concealment")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. concealment
  2. confidentiality
  3. cover-up
  4. concealment

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) concealment, d) dissimulation
  2. b) secrecy, c) concealment
  3. d) masking, e) concealment
  4. b) confidentiality, e) discretion
  5. b) exposure, c) prominence, d) visibility

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government's concealment of its involvement in the scandal from the public was widely criticized.
  2. It was difficult to identify the culprit because their face was completely concealed by a scarf.
  3. Effective communication requires clarity in instructions.

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