Hidden: meaning, definitions and examples

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hidden

[ˈhɪdn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

object

Kept out of sight; concealed.

Synonyms

concealed, covert, secret, unseen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hidden	Appropriate for general use when something is out of sight or not easily found. The treasure was hidden under the old oak tree. She kept her diary hidden in her closet.
concealed	Often used in more formal contexts or when something is deliberately kept out of view to avoid detection. The weapon was concealed beneath his jacket. She concealed her emotions well during the meeting.
secret	Used when referring to information, objects, or activities that are intentionally kept unknown or hidden from others. She shared her secret with only her closest friend. The company kept the new product launch a secret.
unseen	Describes something that is not visible or noticed, often unintentionally. The path to the cave was unseen by the tourists. She remained unseen in the crowded room.
covert	Used in situations that involve secrecy, often related to military operations, intelligence, or actions intended to be kept confidential. The spy was involved in a covert mission. They conducted a covert operation to gather information.

Examples of usage

They discovered a hidden compartment in the wall.
The hidden truth finally came to light.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

online

A feature of a website or software that is not immediately obvious to the user.

Synonyms

concealed, obscure, secret, undisclosed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hidden	Used to describe something that is out of sight or not easily found. The treasure was hidden under the old oak tree. She kept her diary hidden in a drawer.
concealed	Often used in a more deliberate sense, suggesting intentionally keeping something out of sight. The weapon was concealed beneath his coat. He concealed his true feelings from everyone.
secret	Implies information that is intentionally kept from others and often involves confidentiality. He has a secret that he has never shared with anyone. The meeting was held in secret.
undisclosed	Used in more formal or legal contexts to refer to information that has not been revealed or made public. The terms of the agreement remain undisclosed. The buyer's identity was kept undisclosed.
obscure	Used when something is not well-known, unclear, or not easily understood. The text was too obscure for me to understand. The origins of the ritual are obscure.

Examples of usage

The hidden menu can be accessed by clicking on the logo.
She found a hidden link to the bonus level.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the Old English 'hydan', which means to conceal or to keep out of sight.
Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'huthan', which also relates to hiding.
The past participle form 'hidden' reflects an action that has already taken place, much like a secret that has been kept.

Psychology

Research suggests that hidden information can influence decision-making without an individual being aware of it.
Cognitive biases often lead people to overlook or ignore hidden factors that affect their perceptions.
The 'hidden curriculum' in education refers to the unspoken or implicit values and norms taught alongside the official curriculum.

Literature

In literature, hidden meanings often lead to deeper interpretations of texts, enriching the reader's experience.
Many classic fairy tales feature hidden characters or secrets that drive the plot, symbolizing transformation and growth.
The theme of hidden truths is prevalent in mystery genres, where uncovering secrets is crucial to the story.

Pop Culture

Hidden Easter eggs in movies and video games often reference past works or offer surprises for attentive fans.
The TV show 'Lost' became famous for its hidden narratives and secret connections among characters.
In social media, hidden comments or posts can create intrigue and speculation among followers.

Science

In biology, many species have hidden adaptations that allow them to survive in their specific environments undetected.
Dark matter is considered 'hidden' because it doesn’t emit light, yet it makes up a significant amount of the universe's mass.
Certain minerals are considered hidden resources, as they are buried beneath layers of rock and sediment.

Translations

Translations of the word "hidden" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escondido

🇮🇳 छिपा हुआ

🇩🇪 versteckt

🇮🇩 tersembunyi

🇺🇦 прихований

🇵🇱 ukryty

🇯🇵 隠れた

🇫🇷 caché

🇪🇸 escondido

🇹🇷 gizli

🇰🇷 숨겨진

🇸🇦 مخفي

🇨🇿 skrytý

🇸🇰 skrytý

🇨🇳 隐藏的

🇸🇮 skrit

🇮🇸 falinn

🇰🇿 жасырын

🇬🇪 დაფარული

🇦🇿 gizli

🇲🇽 escondido

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,327, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3324 con
3325 gene
3326 colored
3327 hidden
3328 anxious
3329 sacrifice
3330 bus
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