student asking question

Can I use "hide" instead of "conceal"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Generally, "conceal" and "hide" are considered synonyms. However, there are some subtle differences in use. "Conceal" means to hide something from view or from public knowledge, to try to keep something secret while to "hide" is to put (something) in a place where it will be harder to discover or out of sight. Because she is talking about hiding something from public knowledge, the identity of her father, "conceal" is more appropriate. Ex: I keep my private documents hidden. Ex: He tried to conceal his disappointment.

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