uncovering

/ʌnˈkʌv.ər/ (bre, ipa) · [ənkˈʌvɚɪŋ] /ʌnˈkʌv.ɚ/ (ame, ipa)

uncovering — verb

  • uncoveringpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • uncoverings3rd person singular
  • uncoveringing-ing form
  • uncoveringedpast simple

1. finding facts or information that someone tried to keep hidden from other people

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

finding facts or information that someone tried to keep hidden from other people.

例句

Gabriel kept uncovering new payments that the mayor had hidden from auditors.

keep + uncovering + hidden financial evidence

Roya is uncovering links between fake charity websites and stolen bank accounts.

uncovering + links between criminal activities

同義詞
  • revealing

    broader and more neutral; it does not always imply active investigation

  • disclosing

    more formal and usually used when someone intentionally shares private information

  • exposing

    stronger negative tone, often for corruption or shameful conduct

反義詞
  • concealing

    keeping something from being known or seen

  • hiding

    putting something out of sight or keeping it secret

文法句型

be + uncovering + hidden information

keep + uncovering + noun phrase

spend time uncovering + why/how-clause

用法筆記

Often follows be, keep, or spend time and usually takes abstract objects such as evidence, links, details, or the truth. Distinguish from sense 3, which involves digging in the ground rather than investigating hidden information.

常見錯誤

❌The police were uncovering the robber last night.
✅The police were hunting for the robber last night.' / 'The police were uncovering the robbery plan.
💡uncovering is used for hidden information or things, not for catching a person directly.
❌She was uncovering what time the bank closes.
✅She was finding out what time the bank closes.
💡uncovering suggests the information was concealed, not merely unknown.

2. lifting or taking away the thing covering something so the part below it can be

2.動詞及物B1
釋義

lifting or taking away the thing covering something so the part below it can be seen.

例句

Alessia was uncovering the fruit tart when the kitchen lights went out.

be uncovering + food before serving

Hao kept uncovering the seed trays each morning to check the damp soil.

keep uncovering + trays to inspect growth

同義詞
  • lifting

    focuses on raising the cover itself rather than the result of exposure

  • unveiling

    more formal and often used for a public or ceremonial reveal

  • exposing

    can be sudden or unplanned, especially when something becomes visible

反義詞
  • covering

    putting something over another thing so it is hidden or protected

  • wrapping

    putting material around an object

文法句型

be + uncovering + covered object

start/keep + uncovering + noun phrase

用法筆記

Usually describes removing a cloth, lid, sheet, or other covering from an object. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about discovering hidden facts, not exposing a physical surface.

常見錯誤

❌She was uncovering the baby with a blanket.
✅She was covering the baby with a blanket.
💡uncovering means taking a cover off, not putting one on.

3. finding something that was buried by digging away the soil above it.

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

finding something that was buried by digging away the soil above it.

例句

The students were uncovering broken tiles beside the temple wall at noon.

be uncovering + buried objects during a dig

Folake spent July uncovering a stone drain below the market square.

spent time uncovering + buried structure

同義詞
  • excavating

    more technical and usually suggests planned archaeological or construction work

  • digging up

    more informal and broader, often used outside scientific contexts

反義詞
  • burying

    putting something into the ground and covering it with soil

文法句型

be + uncovering + buried object

spend time uncovering + remains

keep uncovering + fragments

用法筆記

This sense is mainly used in archaeology, construction, or historical digs and usually refers to buried remains, bones, walls, or tools. Distinguish from sense 2, where the cover is above ground and can simply be lifted away.

常見錯誤

❌The crew was uncovering a trench for new cables.
✅The crew was digging a trench for new cables.
💡uncovering means finding something already buried, not creating a new hole.