undercover
|un/der/cov/er|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˌʌndərˈkʌvər/
🇬🇧
/ˌʌndəˈkʌvə/
secret operation
Etymology
Etymology Information
'undercover' originates from the combination of 'under' and 'cover,' where 'under' meant 'beneath' and 'cover' meant 'concealment.'
Historical Evolution
'undercover' evolved from the Old English word 'under' and the Middle English word 'coveren,' eventually becoming the modern English word 'undercover.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'beneath concealment,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'involving secret work.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
involving secret work within an organization or community, often for law enforcement or espionage purposes.
The detective went undercover to infiltrate the criminal gang.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45