closeted

/ˈklɒzɪtɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈklɑːzɪtɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈklä-zə-təd ˈklȯ-/ (ame, mw)

closeted — adjective

  • closetedpositive
  • more closetedcomparative
  • most closetedsuperlative

1. used for a person who keeps their LGBTQ+ identity hidden from people around them

1.形容詞C1
釋義

used for a person who keeps their LGBTQ+ identity hidden from people around them

例句

Only his twin sister knew that Bilal was still closeted at work.

pattern: be closeted at work

Quinn felt safer online than in a small town as a closeted teen.

同義詞
  • hidden

    broader and less specific; it does not by itself suggest identity

  • secret

    describes something kept from others, but not the established term for LGBTQ+ identity

反義詞
  • out

    open about one's LGBTQ+ identity rather than concealing it

文法句型

be closeted

stay closeted

a closeted [noun]

用法筆記

Restricted to people hiding their sexual orientation or gender identity. For a hidden hobby, taste, or political view, use sense 2 instead.

常見錯誤

❌He is a closed gay man.
✅He is a closeted gay man.
💡'closed' is not the normal word for someone hiding an LGBTQ+ identity.

2. used for an interest, opinion, or activity that someone deliberately keeps priva

2.形容詞C1
釋義

used for an interest, opinion, or activity that someone deliberately keeps private

例句

Haruto is a closeted jazz fan who never mentions music at home.

pattern: a closeted [fan]

The senator's closeted support for the plan shocked her own staff.

collocation: closeted support for [sth]

同義詞
  • secret

    the closest general adjective, but less pointed and less idiomatic in some collocations

  • private

    can mean simply not discussed openly, without the stronger idea of concealment

  • hidden

    works broadly, but it does not suggest a deliberately concealed side of someone

反義詞
  • open

    shared or shown plainly rather than kept quiet

  • public

    known or expressed openly in front of others

文法句型

a closeted [fan/opponent]

closeted support for [sth]

closeted [views/doubts]

用法筆記

This sense is broader than sense 1 and often appears before nouns like 'fan', 'support', or 'views'. It is not the standard sense for concealed LGBTQ+ identity.

3. kept in a private place for a time, usually to work, talk, or think without inte

3.形容詞C2
釋義

kept in a private place for a time, usually to work, talk, or think without interruption

例句

The lawyers stayed closeted in a side room all afternoon.

pattern: be closeted in [place]

Isabela and the editor were closeted together until the deadline passed.

pattern: be closeted together

同義詞
  • secluded

    describes being apart from others, but not always for work or a private discussion

  • shut away

    more everyday and often suggests isolation rather than a formal meeting

  • holed up

    informal and often suggests hiding or staying inside for a long time

反義詞
  • accessible

    available to be seen or reached rather than kept behind closed doors

  • public

    done openly instead of in a private room

文法句型

be closeted in [place]

be closeted with [person]

remain closeted

用法筆記

This sense usually follows verbs like 'be', 'stay', or 'remain' and often takes 'in' for a place or 'with' for the people in the private meeting. It sounds formal or journalistic.

常見錯誤

❌The minister was closeted on advisers.
✅The minister was closeted with advisers.
💡this sense normally uses 'with' for the people involved in the private meeting.