The verbs "conceal" and "hide" are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in their meanings. "Hide" generally means to put something out of sight, often to keep it secret. "Conceal," on the other hand, suggests a more deliberate and often skillful effort to keep something hidden, often something that might be embarrassing or incriminating. Think of it this way: you might hide your favorite candy bar from your siblings, but you would likely conceal a valuable piece of jewelry from a thief.

Here are some example sentences to illustrate the difference:

• Hide: "I hid my diary under my bed." (Translation: I put my diary under my bed so nobody could find it.)

• Conceal: "He concealed his true feelings behind a smile." (Translation: He managed to keep his real emotions secret using a smile.)

• Hide: "The children hid behind the tree." (Translation: The children went behind the tree so that they could not be seen.)

• Conceal: "She cleverly concealed the evidence in a false bottom drawer." (Translation: She skillfully placed the proof in a secret compartment of a drawer.)

Notice that "conceal" often involves more effort or cleverness to keep something secret than "hide." Also, things that are "concealed" are often more significant or important than things that are merely "hidden." Consider the following pair:

• Hide: "The bird hid in the bush." (Translation: The bird went into the bush to avoid being seen.)
• Conceal: "The magician concealed the rabbit in his hat." (Translation: Using a trick, the magician secretly placed the rabbit in his hat.)

The magician's act of concealing the rabbit is more elaborate and purposeful compared to the bird simply hiding in the bush.

Happy learning!