Word
clandestine
Phoneticsclan·des·tine, stress on the second syllable
US/kɫænˈdɛstɪn/
UK/klændˈɛstɪn/
Definition
adj. done in secret, often because it is illegal or not allowed. You use this to describe things like hidden meetings or private plans.
adj. kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit. Typically describes activities, meetings, or relationships rather than physical objects.
Examples
“The two spies had a clandestine meeting in the park.”
“The group held clandestine meetings in a basement to plan their protest without the police finding out.”
“Historians recently uncovered documents detailing the clandestine operations carried out by the resistance during the final months of the occupation.”
Examples
simple
“The two spies had a clandestine meeting in the park.”
contextual
“The group held clandestine meetings in a basement to plan their protest without the police finding out.”
complex
“Historians recently uncovered documents detailing the clandestine operations carried out by the resistance during the final months of the occupation.”
Usage
Often used attributively before a noun; frequently collocates with 'meeting', 'operation', or 'affair'.
Real-World Examples
“In Abigail Weinstock’s sparkling one-woman show, 30-year-old Eliana has been caught making clandestine recordings in her neighbour’s bedroom and cannot deny it.” “So began America’s formal entry into peacetime espionage, including clandestine intelligence missions.” Etymology
From Latin clandestīnus (“secret, concealed”); compare French clandestin.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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