desvelar

to reveal

verb des-beh-LAHR Less Common

Also means

to keep awake

Usage Note

Desvelar has two distinct senses that trip up learners: (1) to reveal or uncover (desvelar un secreto = to reveal a secret), and (2) to keep someone awake — with the reflexive desvelarse meaning 'to lie awake' (me desvelé toda la noche = I was awake all night). Both senses are current in modern Spanish; context is essential.

Examples

"La investigación desveló datos sorprendentes."

Natural Translation

The investigation revealed surprising data.

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