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Conspiratorial: meaning, definitions and examples

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conspiratorial

 

[ kənˌspɪrəˈtɔːriəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

secretive behavior

Conspiratorial refers to the nature of secretive or deceitful plans, often involving a group conspiring together to achieve a specific aim. It can imply a hidden agenda or a sense of complicity among those involved. The term is often used in contexts related to secret societies, political plots, or any covert activities.

Synonyms

deceptive, secretive, sly

Examples of usage

  • The conspiratorial whispers filled the room.
  • They exchanged conspiratorial glances during the meeting.
  • Her tone had a conspiratorial hint that intrigued me.

Etymology

The word 'conspiratorial' originates from the Latin verb 'conspirare', meaning 'to breathe together'. This term made its way into Middle English through the Old French 'conspirer', reflecting the idea of individuals collaborating in secret. The association with plotting and secretive agreements has been a consistent element throughout its evolution. The suffix '-ial' is added to indicate a characteristic or related to the act of conspiring. As societies developed and political contexts became more nuanced, the term expanded to encompass a broader range of secretive behaviors, especially in governmental and organizational contexts. Today, 'conspiratorial' often carries connotations of paranoia, mistrust, and discussions surrounding conspiracy theories.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,454, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.