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covertness

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /kəˈvɜːrt.nəs/

KK: /ˈkɒvərtnəs/

noun
Definition

The quality of being secret or hidden, often used to describe actions or behaviors that are not openly acknowledged.


Example

The spy operated with great covertness to avoid detection.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you noticed the covertness of their operations lately?
Sloth B
Yeah, it’s like they’re trying to keep everything under wraps.
Sloth A
I wonder why they feel the need for such covertness.
Sloth B
Maybe they’re just trying to avoid drawing too much attention.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
secrecy
sneakiness
furtiveness
Antonyms
openness
transparency
candor
Root Explanation

Covertness → It is formed from "covert" (from Old French *covert*, meaning hidden or concealed) and "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "covertness" refers to the state of being hidden or concealed.

Memory Tip

Think of 'covert' meaning hidden, and '-ness' indicating a state. This helps you remember that 'covertness' is the quality of being hidden.

Visually Confused Words
overtness
overwetness
governess
convertingness
overtameness
oversoftness
overneatness
unconvertedness
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