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covert

adjective

/ˈkʌvət/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of covert

Concealed or hidden from view, often implying an element of secrecy or confidentiality.
"Behind the scenes, there were covert discussions about the merger."

Detailed meaning of covert

It often implies secrecy or discretion, suggesting that the true nature or purpose of the thing in question is not readily apparent to the casual observer. For example, a covert operation conducted by intelligence agencies involves undercover or hidden activities meant to remain undisclosed to the public. In a more general sense, a covert intention might refer to a hidden motive or agenda behind someone's actions. 'Covert' can also be used to describe physical locations or objects designed to be concealed, such as a covert hideout, a covert entrance, or covert surveillance equipment. Overall, this term highlights the concealed or obscured nature of something, emphasizing its discreet or hidden characteristics.

Example sentences containing covert

1. Despite his overt charm, he always had a covert agenda that he hid.
2. The animals found a covert spot in the forest to hide from predators.
3. Many believe that there are covert influences steering political decisions.
4. Their covert relationship remained a secret for years, hidden from friends.
5. Hidden beneath the surface, the covert mechanism controlled the entire system.
6. The rebels used covert methods to communicate, evading the regime's surveillance.

History and etymology of covert

The adjective 'covert' has its etymological origins in Old French and Latin. It can be traced back to the Old French word 'covert,' which means 'covered' or 'hidden.' This term is derived from the Latin word 'cooperire,' composed of 'com,' meaning 'together,' and 'operire,' meaning 'to cover.' In its original sense, 'covert' referred to something that was covered or concealed from view. Over time, it came to signify something hidden in a way that often implies an element of secrecy or confidentiality. This etymology underscores the concept of covering or concealing, reflecting the historical connection between the word's meaning and its Latin and Old French roots, where concealment and covering played a significant role in its usage.

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Further usage examples of covert

1. The agency specialized in covert operations, often working under deep cover.
2. Some celebrities have covert social media profiles to interact without fame's glare.
3. To pass the guards undetected, he used covert tactics and disguises.
4. The bookstore had a covert meeting space for those in-the-know.
5. Beneath his jovial exterior, he held covert resentments toward his peers.
6. The city's covert history was filled with tales of intrigue and espionage.
7. There was a covert understanding between them, a pact they never voiced aloud.
8. While the party raged upstairs, a covert deal was struck in the basement.
9. In the dim alley, they exchanged covert messages, ensuring no one noticed.
10. Her diary contained covert revelations that she never dared to share aloud.
11. Amid the bustling market, covert transactions occurred away from prying eyes.
12. The village harbored a covert resistance movement against the oppressive regime.
13. Despite the open debates, the real power dynamics remained covert and concealed.
14. The spy operated with covert precision, unnoticed by the enemy.
15. The secret mission required a covert approach under the cover of darkness.
16. She discovered a covert hideaway deep within the forest.
17. The covert surveillance revealed their clandestine activities.
18. The organization had a covert agenda known only to a few.
19. He possessed a covert talent for deciphering codes.
20. The covert operation remained classified for years.
21. A covert smile passed between them during the meeting.
22. They exchanged covert glances at the unexpected news.
23. The document was hidden in a covert compartment.
24. The covert plan aimed to expose the truth without detection.