covert

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a flock of coots
  2. noun a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something
  3. adjective secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed

Etymology

From Middle English covert, from Old French covert, past participle of covrir (“to cover”) (corresponding to Latin coopertus); cognate to cover. Not closely related to overt, despite what the most common pronunciation would suggest.

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