secret
English meaning: Secret
Definition
A piece of knowledge that is hidden and intended to be kept hidden.
Example
“"Can you keep a secret?" "Yes." "So can I."”
Another example: “The recipe's secret lies in a pinch of smoked paprika.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Neutral and everyday as a noun (a hidden piece of knowledge); also an adjective meaning hidden or confidential. Used in conversation, espionage, and idioms (keep a secret, the secret to success). Wide register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'secretus' (separated, hidden), past participle of 'secernere' (to set apart); entered English via Old French in the 14th century.
Synonyms
- esoteric
- surreptitious
- clandestine
- mystical
- occult
- privy
- mysterious
- secluded
- mystery
- concealed
Antonyms / Opposites
- disclosure
- openness
Related Words
- ballot
- agent
- secrets
- agents
- spy
- cia
- diary
- intelligence
- hidden
- weapon
Common Collocations
- keep a secret
- trade secret
- secret agent
- dark secret
- top secret
- secret to success
Word Forms
secret (n); secrets (pl.); secret (adj); secretly (adv); secrecy (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B