Words / C2

klan-DEST-in/klænˈdestɪn/

Clandestine means secret, especially because illicit or unofficial: a clandestine meeting, clandestine changes. Covert (already in the dictionary) is secret and not openly acknowledged; surreptitious (already in the dictionary) is done secretly to avoid trouble, and furtive (already in the dictionary) is slyly secret, of a look or a small act. An edit to the n must survive the appendix.

Meaning

Secret, especially because illicit or unofficial.

Examples

• “A clandestine edit to the n did not survive the appendix.”
• “Covert is secret, not openly acknowledged (already in C1). Surreptitious is secret to avoid trouble (already in C2). Furtive is slyly secret (already in C2). A named residual risk can still be exact. A threat that never reaches the minute is a hole. Put it on the table; then the dark may keep its poetry.”

Good to know

Secret because illicit. Everyday: secret (already in this dictionary). Close: covert (already in C1); surreptitious / furtive (already in C2). An appendix is not a hiding place for a risk.

Near in meaning

secret, covert, furtive, surreptitious

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