Word
secrecy
Phoneticsse·cre·cy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsikɹəsi/
UK/sˈiːkɹəsˌi/
Definitions
01state of being hidden
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the state of being kept secret or hidden from other people.
n. the condition of being concealed or kept from public knowledge. Uncountable in this general sense.
“The government operated in total secrecy while planning the new law.”
“The entire operation was shrouded in secrecy, with only a handful of senior officials aware of the mission's true objectives.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02habit of keeping secrets
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the habit of keeping your actions or thoughts hidden from others.
n. the quality or characteristic of being secretive or inclined to keep secrets.
“His natural secrecy made it very difficult for his friends to help him.”
“Her habitual secrecy regarding her past led to significant tension within the family as more questions remained unanswered.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Some critics said the secrecy was about not upsetting Pyongyang.” Etymology
Alteration (on model of primacy, etc) of Late Middle English secretee, from Old French secré.
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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