undercover
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌʌndərˈkʌvər/
KK: /ʌndərˈkʌvər/
adjective
Definition
Relating to activities that are done secretly, often to gather information or investigate something without being noticed.
Example
The police sent an undercover officer to infiltrate the criminal organization.
Conversation
Did you hear about the undercover agents in the city?
Yeah, I read that they were investigating some serious crime rings.
It’s wild to think about how much they do in secret.
I know! Being undercover must be really intense.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
covert
clandestine
secret
Antonyms
overt
public
open
noun
Definition
A person who works secretly to gather information or investigate, often for law enforcement or intelligence purposes.
Example
The undercover agent successfully infiltrated the criminal organization.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new movie with an undercover agent?
Yeah, I saw the trailer! It looks really exciting.
I love films with undercover stories; they always keep me on edge.
Root Explanation
Undercover → It is formed from "under" (from Old English "under", meaning beneath or below) and "cover" (from Old French "couvrir", meaning to cover or conceal). The word "undercover" refers to being concealed or hidden beneath a surface or disguise, often in the context of secretive activities.
Memory Tip
Think of being 'beneath' ('under') a 'cover' — this helps you remember that 'undercover' means to operate in secrecy or disguise.
Visually Confused Words
uncover