Covert Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔄
Add to dictionary

covert

[kənˈvəːt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

finance

To change or transform something into a different form, character, or state.

Synonyms

change, modify, transform.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
covert

Refers to actions, operations, or behaviors that are secret or hidden. Often used in contexts involving secrecy or caution.

  • The spy was involved in a covert mission to gather intelligence.
  • They held a covert meeting in a secluded location.
transform

Implies a thorough or dramatic change in form, appearance, or character. Transformations are often fundamental and noticeable.

  • The caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
  • The new CEO aims to transform the company culture.
change

A broad term for making something different in any way. It can refer to simple or complex alterations.

  • I need to change my shirt because it's dirty.
  • The weather tends to change quickly in this region.
modify

Used when making minor or incremental adjustments to something, often with the intent to improve or make it more suitable.

  • He modified the recipe to suit his dietary needs.
  • The software was modified to include new features.

Examples of usage

  • Please convert the measurements from inches to centimeters.
  • She converted her savings into euros before traveling to Europe.
Context #2 | Noun

computing

A program or piece of software that converts data from one format to another.

Synonyms

transcriber, transformer, translator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
covert

Used when something is hidden or not openly acknowledged or displayed. It often implies secrecy or concealment.

  • The spy conducted covert operations in the enemy territory.
  • They had a covert meeting to discuss the secret project.

Examples of usage

  • I used an image converter to change the file from JPG to PNG.
  • The audio converter allowed me to switch the music file to MP3 format.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Military and Intelligence

  • Covert operations are actions intended to remain undisclosed and are often used in military contexts.
  • The CIA is known for conducting covert missions to gather information or influence foreign governments.
  • Covert actions are crucial in modern warfare, allowing countries to achieve objectives without direct involvement.

Pop Culture

  • Many spy movies, like the James Bond series, feature covert operations with themes of secrecy and deception.
  • TV shows, such as 'Covert Affairs,' depict the life of agents involved in undercover missions.
  • Video games often incorporate covert elements, requiring players to sneak around enemies to complete missions.

Psychology

  • Covert behaviors can refer to hidden thoughts or feelings that a person does not express outwardly.
  • Understanding covert actions helps psychologists analyze motivations behind people's behaviors.
  • Covert narcissism describes individuals who have an inflated sense of self-importance but display it subtly.

Literature

  • Authors often use covert actions in plot twists, where characters hide their true intentions.
  • Classic literature features covert meetings and secret identities as central themes in mystery novels.
  • The use of covert symbols or motifs in poetry can enrich the deeper meaning of a poem.

Origin of 'covert'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'covert' comes from the Old French word 'covrir,' meaning 'to cover.'
  • It originally referred to something covered or concealed in nature, like a hidden place.
  • In Middle English, it also described a type of shady area or thicket.

The word 'convert' has its origins in the Latin word 'convertere', which means 'to turn around'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century with the meaning of 'to change into another substance or form'. Over time, 'convert' has evolved to encompass various meanings related to transformation and alteration.


See also: cover, coverage, coverall, coveralls, covered, covering, coverings, coverlet, covers, recover, uncover, uncoverable, uncovered, uncovering, uncoverings, undercover.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,684, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.