clandestine
/klænˈdestɪn/ (bre, ipa) · /klænˈdestɪn/ (ame, ipa) · /klan-ˈde-stən also -ˌstīn or -ˌstēn or ˈklan-də-/ (ame, mw)
clandestine — adjective
- clandestinepositive
- more clandestinecomparative
- most clandestinesuperlative
1. done in a deliberately hidden way, usually because the activity is not officiall
done in a deliberately hidden way, usually because the activity is not officially permitted or would be strongly disapproved of if discovered
The diplomats held a clandestine meeting in Vienna to negotiate a prisoner exchange.
collocation: clandestine meeting
Dr. Okonkwo operated a clandestine clinic in his basement for patients the state ignored.
collocation: clandestine clinic
Intelligence agents uncovered a clandestine weapons cache hidden beneath a fishing boat near the harbour.
The university expelled a student for a clandestine role in a two-semester cheating ring.
A clandestine radio station broadcast messages to rebel fighters hidden in the mountains.
- secret
more general and everyday; 'clandestine' specifically implies the secrecy is due to illegality or disapproval
- covert
very close in meaning, used especially for military or intelligence operations
- surreptitious
emphasises stealthy, sneaky behaviour; often used for individual actions rather than organised activity
- open
not hidden from view or knowledge
- aboveboard
legitimate and honest, without any concealment
文法句型
clandestine + noun
用法筆記
Typically used attributively (before a noun). Less common in predicative position: e.g. 'Their activities were clandestine' is grammatical but unusual.