Secret: meaning, definitions and examples

Used for general situations where information is kept from others, often due to its sensitive nature.

• She shared a secret with her best friend
• The recipe for the cookies is a family secret

Used to describe something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.

• The case remains a mystery to the detectives
• The origins of the ancient artifact are shrouded in mystery

Typically used in professional or formal settings to describe information that must not be disclosed to unauthorized persons.

• The meeting notes are confidential
• Employees are required to sign a confidentiality agreement

Refers to something that is not visible or known and may be physically or metaphorically concealed.

• The treasure was hidden under the old oak tree
• She had hidden talents that no one knew about

Often used in legal, financial, or formal contexts to indicate that specific information has not been shared or revealed.

• The terms of the settlement are undisclosed
• The company made an undisclosed donation to the charity

Use this when referring to something intentionally kept from others, often with the implication that it is sensitive or confidential.

• She told him a secret about her past.
• The company's plans remained a secret.

Use this for something that is not easily visible or is kept out of sight, sometimes without implying deliberate action.

• The key was hidden under the doormat.
• There are hidden treasures in the attic.

Use this when something is hidden in a way that prevents it from being found or seen, often implying deliberate effort to hide it.

• The weapon was concealed under his coat.
• She concealed her emotions well.

Use this when referring to something that belongs to or concerns a particular person or group and is not meant to be shared with others.

• They had a private conversation.
• She keeps her diary private.

Use this to describe something that hasn't been noticed or detected, with no strong implication of effort to hide it.

• The forces operated unseen.
• She slipped away unseen into the night.