What Does “Revel in doing sth” Mean?
“Revel in doing sth” means to take great pleasure or delight in doing something. It expresses enjoying an activity fully and with enthusiasm.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “revel in doing sth” is used when someone enjoys an action or experience deeply. It is often used to describe moments of happiness or satisfaction. Understanding the “revel in doing sth” meaning helps you express joy or excitement about activities in a natural way. Whether it’s celebrating success or simply enjoying a hobby, this phrase adds emotion and emphasis to your sentences.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: revel in doing something
- Type: Intransitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: to enjoy doing something very much
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Revel in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means the verb and the preposition “in” stay together and cannot be separated by the object.
Pattern: Subject + revel in + doing something
Example: She revels in spending time with her family.
How to Use Revel in doing sth?
Use “revel in doing sth” when you want to show that someone enjoys an activity thoroughly. It often appears in formal or expressive contexts. The verb “revel” is usually followed by “in” and a gerund (verb + -ing).
Example: They revel in watching old movies on weekends.
Examples
People often use “revel in doing sth” to describe moments of pleasure. Here are some examples to help you understand its use:
- He revels in playing the piano every evening.
- She revels in doing volunteer work on holidays.
- The team reveled in winning the championship.
- They revel in exploring new cultures during their travels.
- John loves to revel in reading classic novels.
These sentences show “revel in doing sth in a sentence” clearly, highlighting enjoyment.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes, learners confuse “revel in” with similar verbs or use it incorrectly. Here are some common errors and how to fix them:
- Incorrect: She revels doing her job.
Correct: She revels in doing her job. - Incorrect: They revel on dancing all night.
Correct: They revel in dancing all night.
Remember, always use “in” after “revel.”
Differences / Synonyms
“Revel in” is similar to “delight in,” “take pleasure in,” or “enjoy.” However, “revel in” suggests a stronger, more intense enjoyment, often with a sense of celebration.
- Delight in: More gentle pleasure, often quieter.
Example: She delights in painting. - Take pleasure in: Neutral, general enjoyment.
Example: He takes pleasure in gardening. - Revel in: Intense joy or celebration.
Example: They revel in their victory.
Common Collocations
You will often see “revel in” paired with certain activities or experiences. Here are common collocations and what they mean:
- Revel in success: Enjoying an achievement.
- Revel in freedom: Enjoying liberty or independence.
- Revel in luxury: Taking pleasure in comfort or wealth.
- Revel in doing something: Enjoying an activity deeply.
- Revel in the moment: Fully enjoying the present time.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of revel in doing sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Imagine two friends talking about their weekend plans:
Anna: What do you like to do on weekends?
Ben: I really revel in hiking and being outdoors. It helps me relax.
Anna: That sounds fun! I usually revel in reading books and listening to music.
Practice
Complete the sentences with the correct form of “revel in”:
- She ________ (revel) ________ cooking new recipes every weekend.
- They ________ (revel) ________ the excitement of the concert.
- He loves to ________ ________ playing chess with his friends.
FAQ
- What does “revel in doing sth” mean?
It means to enjoy doing something very much. - Is “revel in” separable?
No, “revel in” is inseparable and must stay together. - Can I use “revel in” with nouns?
Yes, you can use it with nouns or gerunds (verbs + -ing). - What is a synonym for “revel in”?
Synonyms include “delight in” and “take pleasure in,” but “revel in” implies stronger enjoyment. - Is “revel in” formal or informal?
It is more formal or literary than casual speech.

