unmasking
|un-mask-ing|
B2
🇺🇸
/ʌnˈmæskɪŋ/
🇬🇧
/ʌnˈmɑːskɪŋ/
(unmask)
reveal identity
Etymology
Etymology Information
'unmask' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' or 'opposite of' and the word 'mask', which comes from the Middle French 'masque', meaning 'a covering to hide or protect the face'.
Historical Evolution
'masque' transformed into the English word 'mask', and with the addition of the prefix 'un-', it became 'unmask'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to remove a mask', but over time it evolved to also mean 'to reveal the true nature or identity'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
the act of removing a mask or disguise.
The detective was unmasking the criminal in front of the crowd.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40