uncover
Meaning
to remove a cover or covering from something
to discover something that was hidden or secret
Structure
Usage
the archaeologists carefully used brushes to uncover the ancient artifact.
the journalist's investigation helped to uncover a major political scandal.
please uncover the pot so the soup can cool down.
Etymology
The word 'uncover' is a transparent English formation, combining the native Germanic prefix 'un-' with the Latinate verb 'cover'. The prefix 'un-', deriving from Old English 'un-', carries a sense of reversal or deprivation. The verb 'cover' entered English from Old French 'covrir', which itself evolved from Latin 'cooperire', meaning "to cover completely". Therefore, the literal action of 'uncover' is to reverse the act of covering, leading to its modern meanings of revealing something physically concealed or figuratively discovering a hidden truth.
Analysis
- un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not" or "reverse of an action". - cover: a verb of latin origin (via old french) from 'cooperire', meaning "to place something over, to conceal".