Concealed: meaning, definitions and examples

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concealed

[kənˈsiːld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

hidden

Kept secret; hidden from view.

Synonyms

hidden, masked, secret.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
concealed	To describe something that is purposefully kept out of sight or made difficult to find. The detective found a concealed weapon in the suspect's car She concealed her emotions well during the meeting
hidden	Useful for describing something that is not immediately visible or placed out of plain sight; often implies it can be found with effort. The hidden door was behind the bookshelf He discovered a hidden message in the letter
secret	Describes information or an item that is intentionally kept unknown to certain people, often for privacy or security reasons. They planned a secret meeting in the park The recipe for the sauce is a closely guarded secret
masked	Often used in contexts where something is covered or disguised, making it unrecognizable or not immediately noticeable. Her true feelings were masked behind a smile The noise was masked by the sound of the rain

Examples of usage

The weapon was concealed in his jacket.
She concealed her true feelings from her friends.
The truth was concealed from the public for years.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

cover up

Prevent from being seen or discovered.

Synonyms

disguise, hide, mask.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
concealed	This word is often used to describe something that is intentionally kept out of sight or made difficult to detect, and can apply to physical objects, information, or emotions. The treasure was carefully concealed beneath the old floorboards. She concealed her true feelings behind a smile.
hide	This is the most general term, used in everyday language to describe keeping someone or something out of sight, or preventing information from being known. He tried to hide the broken vase before his parents got home. She couldn't hide her excitement about the upcoming trip.
disguise	This word typically means to change the appearance or nature of something to prevent it from being recognized. It often involves costumes, makeup, or other methods of altering one's physical appearance. She disguised herself as a nurse to enter the hospital without being noticed. His kindness was just a disguise for his true intentions.
mask	Often, this word is used to describe covering or disguising one’s face, emotions, or intentions. It can also refer to something used to cover and protect the face. He wore a mask to the costume party. She tried to mask her disappointment with a laugh.

Examples of usage

He concealed the evidence of his crime.
She concealed her identity with a disguise.
The spy concealed his true intentions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'concelare', which means to hide or to keep secret.
In Old French, 'conceler' had a similar meaning, further influencing its English adaptation in the 14th century.
The prefix 'con-' means 'with' or 'together,' while 'celare' means 'to hide,' suggesting hiding something with care.

Psychology

Concealment can play a significant role in psychological processes, such as repression, where individuals may hide feelings or memories.
Social psychologists study why people conceal emotions, often linking it to fear of rejection or social norms.
Research shows that people often feel relief when they choose to share something they've kept concealed, indicating the importance of honesty.

Literature

In literature, concealed emotions or intentions often create suspense, driving plot twists and character development.
Classic works frequently utilize themes of concealment, such as in Shakespeare’s plays where characters hide their true feelings.
The concept of the 'unreliable narrator' often involves concealing key truths from the audience, creating layers of complexity.

Pop Culture

Many movies and books feature plots surrounding concealed identities, such as superheroes who hide their true selves from the world.
Concealment is a common theme in mystery genres, where the truth is hidden until the final reveal.
Reality shows often explore the idea of concealing personal stories, creating drama and intrigue among contestants.

Legal Context

In law, concealment can refer to the act of hiding information that is legally required to be disclosed.
Concealed carry laws pertain to individuals hiding a firearm on their person, typically requiring permits.
The concept is significant in fraud cases, where concealing facts can lead to serious legal consequences.

Translations

Translations of the word "concealed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oculto

🇮🇳 छिपा हुआ

🇩🇪 versteckt

🇮🇩 tersembunyi

🇺🇦 прихований

🇵🇱 ukryty

🇯🇵 隠された

🇫🇷 dissimulé

🇪🇸 oculto

🇹🇷 gizli

🇰🇷 숨겨진

🇸🇦 مخفي

🇨🇿 skrytý

🇸🇰 skrytý

🇨🇳 隐藏的

🇸🇮 skrit

🇮🇸 falinn

🇰🇿 жасырын

🇬🇪 დამალული

🇦🇿 gizli

🇲🇽 oculto

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,740 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5737 bounded
5738 transparent
5739 consequent
5740 concealed
5741 summit
5742 slept
5743 fond
...