veil - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
veil Word Meanings
- a piece of cloth worn to cover the face or head
- something that conceals or obscures
- to hide or cover something
veil Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
veil Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/veɪl/
US
/veɪl/
veil Word Etymology
veil: from Latin 'velum' (a covering) + Old French 'veil' → English. Imagine a beautiful bride, gently lifting her veil to unveil her face as she steps into a new life.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Veil is a word that can be both a noun and a verb. As a noun it refers to a piece of cloth that covers the face or head, often worn for ceremonies, modesty, or protection. As a verb, veil means to hide or conceal something from sight, whether a fact, a feeling, or an area. In everyday English, you can talk about a veil of secrecy, to veil one's true feelings, or how the fog can veil a landscape. The concept also appears in phrases like unveil and veiled criticism. The pronunciation is /veɪl/; note that spelling changes with the tense in the verb form (veiled, unveiling).
Usage Reminders
- Use veil to describe both a physical covering and a metaphorical hiding. Distinguish noun (a veil) from verb (to veil). Remember related forms: veiled, veiling, unveiling. Common collocations include veil of secrecy, veiled criticism. In wedding contexts, veil is a standard term, but in weather or nature, fog can veil the landscape. Pronounce as /veɪl/ and avoid confusing with vale or vale-related terms.
Common Misconceptions
- Veil is only a bridal accessory and not a general word.
- Veil and veil-like words always mean 'to cover' in the literal sense.
- Veil is pronounced like 'valet' or 'veal' in all contexts.
- Veile d and unveiling are rare or wrong forms.
- The weather cannot veil something; only people or objects can.
Thinking Differences
Veil is a flexible term in English: concrete when talking about fabric, metaphorical when describing concealment. Learners often assume it always means a real cloth or confuse veil with cover or mask in all contexts; pay attention to metaphors like veil of secrecy and to verb forms (veil, veiled, unveiling).
Learning Tips
- Listen for the noun vs verb distinction in context
- Practice phrases: veil of secrecy, veiled criticism
- Compare with related words: cover, mask, cloak
- Pronounce /veɪl/ clearly; spellings veiled/unveiling
- Use in both literal and metaphorical sentences
- Remember wedding context but don’t limit usage
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'veil' mean?
A.A type of hat
B.A covering for the face
C.A kind of shoe
D.A musical instrument
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'veil' correctly?
A.He wore a veil on his head in the rain.
B.She put on her veil to play baseball.
C.The veil of secrecy surrounded the project.
D.The teacher used a veil to solve the math problem.
Step 3: Similar Words
Pick the synonym for 'veil':
A.Reveal
B.Expose
C.Uncover
D.Mask
Step 4: Opposite Words
Choose the opposite of 'veil':
A.Hide
B.Unveil
C.Cloak
D.Conceal
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context might you see someone wearing a veil?
A.Gym workout
B.Swimming pool
C.Wedding ceremony
D.Hiking trail
Related Listening
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