covert
KOH-vert
/ˈkoʊvɜːrt/
Not openly acknowledged or displayed; secret.
Often implies that something is hidden or disguised, specifically to avoid detection by an adversary, especially in intelligence or military operations.
The story behind the word. The word 'covert' comes from the Old French 'covert', which was the past participle of 'covrir' (to cover). This ultimately traces back to the Latin 'cooperire', combining 'co-' (an intensive prefix) and 'operire' (to cover). So, something 'covert' is literally 'covered up' or 'concealed'. This perfectly captures the idea of something being hidden from view or knowledge, especially in a strategic sense.
Word relationships
- secret: General term; 'covert' often implies a more active, disguised, or strategic concealment, especially in military/intelligence contexts.
- clandestine: Similar, but 'clandestine' often emphasizes the illicit or unauthorized nature of the secret activity, while 'covert' emphasizes the hidden aspect.
- hidden: More general; 'covert' implies intentional, strategic concealment.
- overt: Done or shown openly; not secret or hidden.
- public: Relating to or available to everyone.
- manifest: Clear or obvious to the eye or mind.
Commonly confused with
- stealthy: 'Stealthy' describes the manner of movement (quiet, cautious) to avoid detection. 'Covert' describes the nature of the operation itself (secret, hidden).
Word family
- covertly (adverb): In a covert manner.
Collocations
- covert operation
- covert agent
- covert surveillance
- covert action
Example sentences
- "The intelligence agency launched a covert operation to gather information on the enemy's nuclear program." Describing intelligence operations.
- "Their covert glances across the room suggested a secret understanding between them." Referring to hidden actions.
- "Special forces conducted a covert raid under the cover of darkness, leaving no trace of their presence." In a military context.
Memory hook
Think of 'COVERT' as 'COVERED' and 'VERy secreT'. Covered & Secret
When not to use
Do not use 'covert' for something that is merely private or personal. It implies a deliberate effort to conceal from an external party, often an enemy.
Fun facts
- The antonym 'overt' shares the same root, meaning 'uncovered' or 'open'.
Related words
Explore more words
surveillance, subterfuge, deceptive, anonymity, conspiracy, subvert
Also appears in
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.