“Veil” and “vale” sound the same but have different meanings. So, how do you make sure you use the right word in your writing? Check out our tips below.
As a noun, “veil” refers to a piece of light, finely woven material, typically worn by women to cover their faces or as part of a head-dress:
The bride wore a white veil trimmed with Belgium lace.
More generally, “veil” can refer to anything that covers or conceals something:
There is a veil of secrecy around the new party’s manifesto.
A veil of mist hid the valley from view.
It follows, then, that the verb “veil” means “obscure or hide something”:
The grieving widow veiled her face.
A thick cloud veiled the mountain tops.
When he heard the news, he was unable to veil his disappointment.
Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.
In both cases, though, “veil” is always related to concealing something.
The noun “vale” is an old-fashioned term that refers to a valley. These days, you will only usually see it used in place names or in literature:
The Vale of Glamorgan is an area in the south of Wales.
O’er the hill and o’er the vale/Come three kings together.
You might also come across the phrase “vale of tears.” This is a literary term, drawn from Christianity, referring to life on earth as a source of great sorrow and tragedy.
These words are easy to mix up because they sound identical. But remember:
Keep in mind that “vale” is a very rare term outside of place names and literature these days. And if you’re referring to some form of concealment or covering, whether as a noun or a verb, the correct spelling will always be “veil.”
For more help with your spelling and word choice, our proofreaders are available 24/7. Submit a free trial document today to find out more.
Δ
5-minute read
Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...
6-minute read
If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...
9-minute read
Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...
8-minute read
Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...
7-minute read
Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...
4-minute read
Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...