What is unmask? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of unmask

unmaskverb

/ˌʌnˈmɑːsk//ˌʌnˈmæsk/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "unmask." Here's a breakdown and some tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

  • /ʌnˈmæs/

2. Syllable Breakdown & Sounds:

  • un-: This is pronounced like "uhn" – a short, open "uh" sound, like in "under."
  • mask: This is the tricky part. It's pronounced like "mass" (as in "grass") but with a slightly shorter "a" sound.
    • The "s" is pronounced as a voiced "s" – you feel the vibration in your throat.

3. Putting it Together:

So, saying it all together: "Unn-mass"

4. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Emphasize the second syllable ("mass"): The stress is on "mask," so give that syllable a little more emphasis.
  • Short "a" in "mask": Don't say "mahsk" like you would "mask." It's a shorter, more compact “a” sound.
  • Voiced "s" in "mask": Make sure your vocal cords vibrate slightly when you say the "s."

Resources to Listen:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/unmask/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.
  • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce unmask" on Google, and you'll find many audio pronunciations.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "unmask" so you can hear it in context?

Usage and examples with the word unmask in English

The word "unmask" has a few different meanings and uses, often related to revealing something hidden or exposing a false front. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, with examples:

1. To Remove a Mask (Literal):

  • This is the most straightforward meaning. It refers to physically taking off a mask.
    • Example: "The magician carefully unmasked himself after the final trick, revealing a friendly face."
    • Example: "She unmasked her face with a flourish and smiled at the crowd."

2. To Reveal a Deceptive Person or Plan:

  • This is the most common usage, and it means to uncover a hidden truth or expose a false persona. It implies someone has been pretending to be something they’re not.
    • Example: "The investigation unmasked the politician’s secret affair." (Revealed a hidden truth)
    • Example: “The reporter’s article unmasked the company’s environmentally damaging practices.” (Exposed a hidden deceit)
    • Example: "His casual demeanor unmasked a deep sadness beneath his cheerful exterior." (Revealed a hidden emotion)

3. To Reveal the True Nature of Something (Figurative):

  • You can use "unmask" to describe uncovering the real, often unpleasant, reality behind something that appeared positive or innocent.
    • Example: "The gleaming facade of the luxury resort unmasked the squalid conditions of the workers' quarters." (Revealed a hidden, unpleasant truth.)
    • Example: "The seemingly perfect marriage unmasked years of resentment and unhappiness." (Revealed the true, unhappy state beneath the surface.)

Key Considerations:

  • Verb: "Unmask" is almost always a verb.
  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "unmask" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could also use words like: reveal, expose, uncover, strip away, lay bare, expose, or bring to light.

Here are some example sentences demonstrating different usages:

  • “The detective unmasked the criminal’s elaborate scheme to steal the jewels.” (Revealing a deception)
  • “The surprise party unmasked her astonishment and delight.” (Revealing a hidden emotion)
  • “The scandal unmasked the corruption within the department.” (Revealing a hidden truth)

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

  • What are you trying to do with the word "unmask"? (e.g., write a story, understand a sentence, use it in a conversation?)
  • What kind of context are you thinking of? (e.g., crime, relationships, business, something else?)

Synonyms for the word unmask

Practice with vocabulary unmask

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The auditor’s meticulous review helped to _________ the financial irregularities that had been hidden for years.
  2. During the negotiation, her calm demeanor began to _________ the underlying tension she felt.
  3. The company decided to _________ its new product line at the upcoming trade show.
  4. Before implementing the new policy, management needs to thoroughly _________ its potential impact on employee morale.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The whistleblower's testimony helped to _________ the deep-seated corruption within the organization. a) conceal b) obscure c) unmask d) disguise
  2. Which of the following words can be used to describe the act of revealing a hidden truth or a person's true character? (Select all that apply) a) uncover b) mask c) unmask d) disguise e) disclose
  3. The forensic analysis aimed to _________ the true identity of the anonymous cyber attacker. a) identify b) obscure c) unmask d) confuse
  4. It is standard practice for public companies to _________ their quarterly financial results to investors. a) withhold b) suppress c) disclose d) obscure
  5. Before making a final decision, the committee decided to _________ the proposal from every angle. a) overlook b) dismiss c) scrutinize d) ignore

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The detailed report brought to light the deceptive practices of the competitor. Rewrite using "unmask":
  2. Original: Investigators worked tirelessly to reveal the identity of the person orchestrating the online smear campaign. Rewrite using "unmask" or related word forms:
  3. Original: The organization has a policy of making its funding sources publicly known. Rewrite without "unmask", using a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. unmask
  2. unmask
  3. launch (or introduce, present)
  4. assess (or evaluate, analyze)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) unmask
  2. a) uncover, c) unmask, e) disclose
  3. a) identify, c) unmask
  4. c) disclose
  5. c) scrutinize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The detailed report helped to unmask the competitor's deceptive practices.
  2. Investigators worked tirelessly to unmask the individual orchestrating the online smear campaign.
  3. The organization has a policy of disclosing its funding sources publicly.

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