surface
To bring something to attention or make it visible
Examples
In a meeting
“Several issues surfaced during the audit that need addressing.”
Over coffee
“Some interesting stories surfaced at the reunion last night.”
Why this word
raise
surface implies bringing up something not yet visible or discussed, while raise is more general about introducing topics
mention
surface suggests revealing or discovering something important that was hidden, while mention is casual reference
reveal
surface emphasizes bringing something forward for discussion/attention in business context, while reveal is more dramatic
Usage tip
Use when something previously hidden or unknown becomes apparent or is deliberately brought to attention
Etymology
French: sur- (above) + face (face), literally to bring to the surface
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Related words
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
concise
Giving a lot of information clearly in few words.
ambiguous
Open to more than one interpretation; not clear or decided.
convey
To communicate or make an idea, feeling, or meaning known.
reiterate
To say something again for emphasis or clarity.
paraphrase
To restate something in different words to make it clearer or shorter.