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| se·cret [ skrət ] |
adjective |
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1. not widely known: known by only a few people and intentionally withheld from general knowledge
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2. undercover: working or operating without the knowledge of the general public
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3. unadmitted: acting or feeling in a particular way without admitting to it
  a secret admirer
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4. private and secluded: known to very few people and consequently quiet and secluded
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5. secretive: tending by nature to keep things secret
(
informal
)
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6. mysterious: mysterious and often beyond common understanding
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noun (plural se·crets) |
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1. information not widely known: a piece of information that is known only to a few people and is intentionally withheld from general knowledge
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2. mystery: something that is unknown, hidden, or not understood
still trying to unravel the secrets of the atom
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3. something ensuring success: a little-known technique, approach, or piece of information that is the key to success in an endeavor
the secret of making a good soufflé
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| [14th century. Via French< Latin secretus "separate, hidden" < secernere "separate apart" < cernere "to separate"] |
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| se·cret·ly adverb |
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in secret without anyone else's knowledge
meet in secret
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| Word Key: Synonyms |
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secret, clandestine, covert, furtive, stealthy, surreptitious, secretive
CORE MEANING: conveying a desire or need for concealment
secret known by only a few people and intentionally withheld from general knowledge;
was supported by a majority in a secret ballot
The find was kept secret until it had been properly excavated by the archaeological department.
clandestine needing to be concealed, usually because it is illegal or unauthorized;
clandestine arms deals
It appeared he was having a clandestine relationship with the owner, from whom he had received the information.
covert not intended to be known, seen, or found out;
a covert police operation
a covert intelligence and sabotage campaign
furtive done in a way that is intended to escape notice;
Sandra was whispering to her neighbor, with occasional furtive glances in Edward's direction.
The stranger looked about him, then walked in an unexpectedly furtive manner toward the gate.
stealthy done quietly, slowly, and cautiously in order to escape notice;
Casting a stealthy glance around, he leaned forward and lowered his voice.
surreptitious done in a concealed or underhand way to escape notice, especially disapproval;
surreptitious methods for getting your own way
If she did a little surreptitious investigating she might find something, she thought.
secretive unwilling to reveal or share information;
Even as a child he had a very secretive nature. |
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