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clandestine

Adjective

IPA /klænˈdestɪn/

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Meaning in plain English

Kept secret or done secretly, especially to avoid being discovered.

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Pronunciation

clandestine/klænˈdestɪn/

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A meeting is arranged
Its details are deliberately concealed
Only those involved know about it

A clandestine meeting is kept secret to avoid discovery.

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In the novel, the neighbours arrange a clandestine meeting after dark.
The investigation uncovered clandestine talks between rival firms.

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In the novel, the neighbours arrange a ________ meeting after dark.

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clandestine — Kept secret or done secretly, especially to avoid being discovered.

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Kept secret or done secretly, especially to avoid being discovered.

Compare: In the novel, the neighbours arrange a clandestine meeting after dark.

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Word origin

From French clandestin or Latin clandestinus, related to clam, meaning secretly.

Did you know?

Clandestine often appears before words such as meeting, operation or relationship.

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