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Sealed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sealed

[siหld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

document

Closed or secured with a seal.

Synonyms

closed, fastened, shut.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sealed

Used when something is securely closed, often to prevent anything from entering or escaping. It implies a very strong closure that can't be easily opened.

  • The envelope was sealed with wax.
  • The container was sealed to keep the contents fresh.
closed

General term for when something is not open. It doesn't imply security or permanence, just the state of being not open.

  • The store is closed on Sundays.
  • He closed the door behind him.
shut

Synonymous with 'closed,' but often used to describe actions done decisively or forcefully. It can also be used for emphasis.

  • She shut the book and put it away.
  • He shut the door loudly as he left.
fastened

Suggests that something has been secured using some type of mechanism like a lock, clasp, or button. It indicates that an effort has been made to keep it secure.

  • She fastened her seatbelt before starting the car.
  • He fastened the window latch to keep it closed.

Examples of usage

  • The envelope was sealed with wax.
  • She sealed the deal with a handshake.
Context #2 | Adjective

secret

Not open to the public or closed off from view.

Synonyms

confidential, private, secure.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sealed

Use 'sealed' when referring to something that is closed tightly to prevent contents from escaping or being tampered with, often in the context of packaging or documents.

  • The envelope was sealed with wax.
  • Make sure the container is sealed properly to avoid leaks.
secure

Use 'secure' when referring to something that is safe from harm, theft, or unauthorized access. It can be used in both physical and digital contexts.

  • The building has a secure entrance.
  • Make sure your internet connection is secure.
private

Use 'private' when referring to something that is meant for personal use or that is kept away from public knowledge. It can refer to information, spaces, or events.

  • This is a private conversation.
  • He prefers to keep his life private.
confidential

Use 'confidential' when referring to information or documents that should be kept secret, typically in a business, legal, or medical context. It has a formal tone.

  • The details of the contract are confidential.
  • She shared confidential information with her lawyer.

Examples of usage

  • The sealed room contained valuable documents.
  • The sealed section of the museum was under renovation.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Security and Law

  • In legal terms, a sealed document is one that cannot be accessed by the public, often used to protect sensitive information.
  • Many modern companies 'seal' their products to ensure tampering hasn't occurred, guaranteeing the buyerโ€™s safety.
  • Sealing is vital in the packaging industry to maintain freshness and prevent contamination of food products.

Science

  • In chemistry, sealed containers are essential for conducting experiments that require controlled environments, preventing gas exchange.
  • Sealed environments, like vacuum packs, are used to preserve food longer by removing air that promotes decay.
  • In botany, sealed containers help in germination experiments where moisture and gas levels must be precisely regulated.

Cultural References

  • Sealed letters and messages symbolize secrets and trust, famously used in spy novels and films.
  • In many cultures, breaking a seal symbolizes breaking a promise or revealing secrets, often portrayed in folklore.
  • Seals are associated with authenticity, as seen in notaries and official documents that carry a seal of approval.

Literature

  • Sealed fates are a common narrative device in literature, where characters face irreversible decisions.
  • In classic tales, like 'The Merchant of Venice', sealed documents create tension and drama regarding fate and fortune.
  • Poets often use the metaphor of a sealed heart to signify emotional barriers and the reluctance to share feelings.

Origin of 'sealed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sealed' comes from the Old English 'sealdan', related to 'seal', which refers to a mark made to denote authenticity or security.
  • In Middle English, 'seal' was often used to describe an impression made in wax that secured letters and documents.
  • The concept of sealing as a means of safety dates back to ancient civilizations, where they used clay seals to secure goods and messages.

The word 'sealed' originated from the Old French word 'seel', which means 'closed, shut, enclosed'. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The concept of sealing documents or objects goes back to ancient times when seals were used to authenticate or secure items. Over time, 'sealed' has evolved to encompass the ideas of closure, security, and confidentiality.

See also: seal, sealant, sealer, sealing.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,901, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.