Covert vs. Clandestine — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 28, 2023
"Covert" refers to something concealed or hidden, especially for deceptive reasons, while "Clandestine" means conducted with secrecy, often for illicit purposes. Both indicate secrecy, but the context may differ.
Difference Between Covert and Clandestine
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Covert" and "Clandestine" both deal with secrecy and concealment but in nuanced ways. While "Covert" implies a sense of hiddenness or being undercover, perhaps for protection or deception, "Clandestine" underscores activities that are conducted with utmost secrecy, typically because they are illicit or unauthorized.
In the realm of intelligence and defense, "Covert" operations might be sanctioned by authorities but remain hidden from the general public. The emphasis is on ensuring that the operation's affiliations and intents are not disclosed. In comparison, "Clandestine" operations are those that remain secret from everyone, including many within the organizing institution itself, often due to the sensitive nature of the operation.
The root of "Covert" comes from the Old French "covert," which means "covered," underscoring its emphasis on being shielded from view. On the other hand, "Clandestine" is derived from Latin "clandestinus," meaning "secret, hidden." This root speaks to the deeper secrecy, suggesting activities hidden from all.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Hidden, especially for deceptive reasons.
Conducted with secrecy, often illicitly.
Origin
Old French "covert" meaning "covered."
Latin "clandestinus" meaning "secret, hidden."
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Common Usage
Refers to concealment either for protection or deception.
More focused on the illicit, secretive nature of an act.
Associated Fields
Intelligence, Defense
Espionage, Secret Meetings
Example Context
Covert operations by intelligence agencies.
Clandestine meetings between spies.
Compare with Definitions
Covert
Not openly acknowledged or displayed.
He gave a covert glance in her direction.
Clandestine
Kept or done in secret, often to conceal an improper purpose.
The group was involved in clandestine operations.
Covert
Used to describe secret military operations.
The covert mission was a success.
Clandestine
Characterized by, done in, or executed with secrecy.
The clandestine nature of the spy's job was thrilling.
Covert
Not openly acknowledged or displayed
Covert operations against the dictatorship
Clandestine
Hidden from general knowledge or view.
They communicated through clandestine channels.
Covert
A thicket in which game can hide.
Clandestine
Done in secret, especially to hide an illicit or unauthorized activity.
They held clandestine meetings at night.
Covert
A feather covering the base of a main flight or tail feather of a bird.
Clandestine
Acting with or showing secrecy.
She had a clandestine relationship with her coworker.
Covert
A flock of coots
It is a good omen when a covert of coots have taken to any particular locality
Clandestine
Kept or done in secret, often to conceal an illicit or improper purpose.
Covert
Not openly practiced, avowed, engaged in, accumulated, or shown
Covert military operations.
Covert funding for the rebels.
Clandestine
Done or kept in secret, sometimes to conceal an illicit or improper purpose.
Clandestine military operations
Covert
Covered or covered over; sheltered.
Clandestine
Not recognized as a regular member.
Covert
(Law) Under former English common law, married and therefore falling under the authority and protection of one's husband. Used of a woman.
Clandestine
Conducted with secrecy; withdrawn from public notice, usually for an evil purpose; kept secret; hidden; private; underhand; as, a clandestine marriage.
Covert
A covering or cover.
Clandestine
Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods;
Clandestine intelligence operations
Cloak-and-dagger activities behind enemy lines
Hole-and-corner intrigue
Secret missions
A secret agent
Secret sales of arms
Surreptitious mobilization of troops
An undercover investigation
Underground resistance
Covert
A covered place or shelter; hiding place.
Covert
Thick underbrush or woodland affording cover for game.
Covert
(Zoology) One of the small feathers covering the bases of the longer feathers of a bird's wings or tail.
Covert
(figuratively) Secret, surreptitious, concealed.
Covert operations
Covert
Hidden, covered over; overgrown, sheltered.
Covert
Under coverture.
Feme covert
Covert
A covering.
Covert
A disguise.
Covert
A hiding place.
Covert
Area of thick undergrowth where animals hide.
Covert
(ornithology) A feather that covers the bases of flight feathers.
Covert
Covered over; private; hid; secret; disguised.
How covert matters may be best disclosed.
Whether of open war or covert guile.
Covert
Sheltered; not open or exposed; retired; protected; as, a covert nook.
Of either side the green, to plant a covert alley.
Covert
Under cover, authority or protection; as, a feme covert, a married woman who is considered as being under the protection and control of her husband.
Covert
A place that covers and protects; a shelter; a defense.
A tabernacle . . . for a covert from storm.
The highwayman has darted from his covered by the wayside.
Covert
One of the special feathers covering the bases of the quills of the wings and tail of a bird. See Illust. of Bird.
Covert
A flock of coots
Covert
A covering that serves to conceal or shelter something;
They crouched behind the screen
Under cover of darkness
Covert
Secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed;
Covert actions by the CIA
Covert funding for the rebels
Covert
Of a wife; under the protection of her husband
Covert
Hidden or concealed.
The bird has a covert nesting spot.
Covert
Shielded from view.
The covert surveillance lasted for weeks.
Covert
Characterized by concealment.
Covert signs were everywhere once he knew what to look for.
Common Curiosities
Why might an organization conduct "Covert" operations?
For reasons such as national security, protection of assets, or tactical advantage.
Are "Covert" and "Clandestine" synonyms?
They're similar, but not exact synonyms. Both deal with secrecy, but their contexts can differ.
Do "Clandestine" activities always remain hidden?
The intention is secrecy, but they can be discovered or exposed.
Could a "Clandestine" operation also be "Covert"?
Yes, many clandestine operations are also covert in nature.
Is "Clandestine" always related to illicit activities?
Often, but not always. It emphasizes secrecy more than illicitness.
Can "Covert" activities be legal?
Yes, they can be legal but just hidden or not openly acknowledged.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
