Clandestine
/klænˈdɛstɪn/
Definitions
kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit.
/klænˈdɛstɪn/
They held a clandestine meeting in the dead of night.
💡 Simply: Imagine a secret club where members whisper and hide their activities. That's clandestine – it means secretive and hidden, often because what they're doing is wrong.
👶 For kids: A secret, hidden thing.
More Examples
The organization's clandestine activities were finally exposed.
How It's Used
"The clandestine meeting took place in a dimly lit back alley."
"The government engaged in clandestine negotiations with the rebel group."
From Middle French clandestin, from Latin clandestinus, from clam 'secretly' + -estinus '-like'.
The word has been used since the 16th century to describe secretive activities, often with negative connotations.
Memory tip
Think 'clan' – secret societies often operate in clans.