Covert
/ˈkoʊvərt/
adjectivenounB2
Definition
Covert describes things that are secret or hidden, often to avoid being seen or noticed. It is used for actions or behaviors that people do quietly or privately, sometimes because they want to keep them a secret. It can also be a noun meaning a hidden place or shelter.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Secret or hidden, especially about actions or plans
- •The government carried out a covert operation to gather information.
- •They had a covert meeting to discuss the surprise party.
- •She gave a covert smile when her plan worked.
A hidden place or shelter (noun)
- •The rabbit ran into a covert to hide from the fox.
- •Hunters waited quietly in the covert for the deer to appear.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "covert" like "secret" (A2 word), but more about hiding or doing something quietly without others knowing
- ✓Picture a spy moving quietly in shadows, trying not to be seen by anyone
- ✓It's the feeling when you whisper a surprise plan to a friend so no one else hears
- ✓Sounds like "COVER" + "t" → Imagine covering something completely so no one can see it
- ✓In stories, covert operations are secret missions where heroes work quietly behind the scenes
- ✓NOT like "open" (everyone can see), covert means hidden or private
- ✓NOT like "obvious" (easy to notice), covert is the opposite—hidden or unclear
- ✓NOT like "secret" that can be spoken quietly, covert often means hidden in action or place, not just information
Try Other Words
- •Hidden: not seen or known (Use when something is physically out of sight)
- •Secret: known by only a few people (Use when focusing on information or feelings)
- •Undercover: done in a way to avoid being noticed, often by pretending (Use when talking about people working secretly, like spies or police)
- •Private: not for public knowledge or use (Use when emphasizing personal or restricted access)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No clear prefix or suffix; "covert" comes as a whole word
- •Etymology: From Latin "covertus," past participle of "covertere," meaning to turn around or cover
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 15th century meaning covered or hidden
- •Modern usage: Used to describe secret actions, hidden places, or undercover work in military, police, and everyday language
Reflect & Connect
•Why do people or organizations sometimes need to act in a covert way rather than openly?
•Can something be covert but still honest? How does secrecy affect trust?
Fill in the blanks
1.The spy planned a covert ___ to gather information without being noticed.
2.She gave a covert ___ when she heard the good news but did not want others to know.
3.Unlike an open meeting, a covert meeting is held ___ to keep it secret.
4.The hunters waited quietly in the covert ___ to avoid scaring the animals.
5.When someone acts covertly, they try to avoid ___ by others.
6.Covert operations often require careful ___ to remain hidden.
7.If something is visible to everyone, it is ___, not covert.