undercover
Translation
undercover, secret
Examples
He was an undercover police officer.
He was an undercover police officer.
The journalist conducted an undercover investigation.
The journalist conducted an undercover investigation.
Grammar Patterns
an undercover ((noun)) secret, done secretly She was an undercover agent.
to go undercover to begin working secretly The detective had to go undercover.
Similar Words
Synonyms: secret, clandestine, covert; Antonyms: overt, open, public
Etymology
From 'under' (beneath) and 'cover' (concealment). It literally means acting under a cover or disguise.
Memory Tips
Imagine a spy hiding 'under' a 'cover' (like a blanket or a fake identity) to remain hidden.