Conspiratorial: meaning, definitions and examples
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conspiratorial
[ kənˌspɪrəˈtɔːriəl ]
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
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.
Word origin
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.
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- 25451 mitre
- 25452 uncontaminated
- 25453 conservancy
- 25454 conspiratorial
- 25455 continence
- 25456 cologne
- 25457 spillage
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