clandestine
pronunciation
How to pronounce clandestine in British English:
UK [klænˈdestɪn]
How to pronounce clandestine in American English:
US [klænˈdestɪn]
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- Adjective:
- conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
Word Origin
- clandestine
- clandestine: see conceal
- clandestine (adj.)
- 1560s, from Latin clandestinus "secret, hidden," from clam "secretly," from adverbial derivative of base of celare "to hide" (see cell), perhaps on model of intestinus "internal." Related: Clandestinely. As a noun form, there is awkward clandestinity (clandestineness apparently being a dictionary word).
Example
- 1. Facebook and other social networks already have millions of vulnerable , clandestine underage users .
- 2. In may 2009 , north korea detonated a clandestine nuclear test , a kilometer underground .
- 3. Leaving miles to work with dai li 's operations , donovan circumvented them both and secretly set up a separate clandestine oss intelligence collection mechanism .
- 4. But the clandestine alliance with south africa undermined israel 's rightful claim on u.s. admiration and support .
- 5. If reporters are banned from a country , big outfits can turn to clandestine or surrogate newsgathering .