Covert-Overt | Commonly Confused Words
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Covert vs. Overt

Covert

/ˈkʌvət/
Hidden or not openly shown or acknowledged

Examples:

The investigator kept a covert eye on the suspect.She held a covert meeting to discuss the secret project.The spy operated under a veil of covert protection.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Overt

/əʊˈvəːt/
Done or shown openly, not hidden or secret

Examples:

His overt excitement was contagious at the party.There was an overt display of gratitude from the community.Her overt lack of interest made the meeting awkward.

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Ways to tell them apart:

etymology
  • Overt actions are open and observable without any attempt to conceal.
  • Covert operations are hidden or secret, often deliberately so.
  • You can remember overt from open, as both start with o.
  • Covert sounds like covered, indicating something hidden or concealed.
  • Think of over in overt as meaning over the table, in contrast to under the table which can suggest something covert.
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