WordGarden.ioclandestinely
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /klændˈɛstɪnli/
US
- /klænˈdɛstənli/
Meanings
Adverb
secretly or in a hidden way, especially to avoid being noticed
Beyond the definition
Imagine spies swapping information under the cover of darkness—that's often done clandestinely. It means doing something secretly, usually because it is forbidden or considered wrong. Think of a hidden romance, a whispered plan, or a meeting held behind closed doors. If you sneak a cookie before dinner and try not to get caught, you're acting clandestinely!
The word hints at being "driven underground," like a secret current flowing beneath the surface. It implies more than just privacy; it suggests an element of risk and intentional concealment. A character in a novel might clandestinely meet with a rival, or a group might clandestinely organize a protest. You wouldn't usually clandestinely order pizza—that's just private!
To act clandestinely is to do something secretly, with an active effort to avoid detection or disapproval. It goes beyond simply being "private"; it implies deliberate concealment, often because the action is forbidden, risky, or likely to be judged harshly.
The word comes from the Latin clandestinus, meaning "secret" or "hidden." Historically, it was frequently used in contexts of political intrigue and espionage—think secret agents operating behind enemy lines. However, its usage has broadened over time. You might read about lovers meeting clandestinely, a group meeting clandestinely to plan a surprise party (though the stakes are lower!), or information being passed clandestinely through encrypted channels.
Clandestinely often suggests a sense of risk. It's not just that something is happening in secret, but how it's happening—with care, stealth, and a deliberate attempt to avoid discovery.
For example: "The rebels clandestinely distributed pamphlets throughout the city." Or, "She clandestinely exchanged letters with her pen pal despite her parents' disapproval." It adds a layer of intrigue and suspense to any action it describes, hinting at hidden motives and potential consequences. So if something is happening under the radar, done in secret with careful planning—it's likely being carried out clandestinely.
Examples
- 1
Journalism
The reporters met clandestinely with the whistleblower in a parking garage.
- 2
Underground publishing
For years, the group printed its newspaper clandestinely and passed it from hand to hand.
- 3
Secret recording
He had been recording their conversations clandestinely, which is why no one trusted him afterward.
- 4
Border crossing
During the war, families crossed the border clandestinely at night.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Data privacy
The company was accused of clandestinely tracking users' location data without their consent.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- furtively
- stealthily
- under the table
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- meet clandestinely
- operate clandestinely
- communicate clandestinely
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- clandestinelyadverb