clandestine
UK: klænˈdestɪn | US: klænˈdestɪn
adj. kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit or unethical
clandestine = cland<secret> + estine<adjective suffix>
- cland<secret>: From Latin clandestinus (hidden, secret), derived from clam (secretly). The root clam also appears in words like "clamor" (originally implying loud but hidden protest).
- estine<adjective suffix>: A Latin adjectival suffix indicating a state or quality, similar to "-ine" in modern English (e.g., "divine").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin clandestinus, combining clam (secretly) with the suffix -tinus (pertaining to). It originally described actions hidden from authorities, often with a negative connotation (e.g., illegal meetings). Over time, it broadened to describe any covert activity, retaining its association with secrecy and often impropriety.
The group held clandestine meetings to avoid surveillance.
Their clandestine affair was discovered by accident.
He operated a clandestine lab in his basement.
The spy exchanged information through clandestine channels.
Protesters used clandestine methods to evade censorship.