Covert vs. Overt — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
Covert means hidden or secret, while overt refers to actions or behaviors that are open and observable.
Difference Between Covert and Overt
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Covert actions are those that are hidden or clandestine, intended to be kept secret from others. Overt actions, in contrast, are done openly, with no intention to hide or disguise them.
Covert operations in intelligence are designed to be undetected, like espionage, whereas overt operations are public, like official diplomatic negotiations. The purpose of covert is to operate under the radar, while overt is to be in full view.
In communication, a covert message is one that is not directly stated, possibly concealed within a dual meaning; an overt message is clear and explicit, with its intentions plainly expressed.
Covert behavior might involve someone secretly gathering information without others knowing, whereas overt behavior would be someone openly asking questions and collecting data.
A covert operation in military terms is an undercover mission that seeks to avoid detection, like a secret surveillance. An overt military action would be an open assault, with no effort to conceal the action.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Visibility
Hidden
Visible
Intention
Secretive
Transparent
Communication
Implicit, indirect
Explicit, direct
Actions
Discreet, undercover
Open, undisguised
Operations
Conducted secretly
Conducted openly
Compare with Definitions
Covert
Hidden from view
The spy moved through the night with covert stealth.
Overt
Obvious and manifest
Her overt happiness was contagious.
Covert
Covered or sheltered
The covert grove provided refuge for the hikers during the storm.
Overt
Open and observable
The protest was an overt display of dissatisfaction.
Covert
Discreet in action or character
He made a covert gesture that only his ally recognized.
Overt
Not concealed
His intentions were overt and clear to everyone.
Covert
Not openly acknowledged or displayed
Covert operations against the dictatorship
Overt
Done or shown publicly
The government's overt support swayed public opinion.
Covert
A thicket in which game can hide.
Overt
Public knowledge
The policy changes were made with overt transparency.
Covert
A feather covering the base of a main flight or tail feather of a bird.
Overt
Done or shown openly; plainly apparent
In untreated cases, overt psychosis may occur
An overt act of aggression
Covert
A flock of coots
It is a good omen when a covert of coots have taken to any particular locality
Overt
Open and observable; not hidden, concealed, or secret
Overt hostility.
Overt intelligence gathering.
Covert
Not openly practiced, avowed, engaged in, accumulated, or shown
Covert military operations.
Covert funding for the rebels.
Overt
Of, relating to, or being military or intelligence operations sanctioned or mandated by Congress
Overt aid to the rebels.
Covert
Covered or covered over; sheltered.
Overt
Open and not concealed or secret.
Covert
(Law) Under former English common law, married and therefore falling under the authority and protection of one's husband. Used of a woman.
Overt
Open to view; public; apparent; manifest. Opposite of hidden.
Overt and apparent virtues bring forth praise.
Covert
A covering or cover.
Overt
Not covert; open; public; manifest; as, an overt act of treason.
No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses to the same overt act, or on confession in open court.
Covert
A covered place or shelter; hiding place.
Overt
Open and observable; not secret or hidden;
An overt lie
Overt hostility
Overt intelligence gathering
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
Not openly acknowledged
They had a covert understanding that was unspoken.
Covert
Secretive or clandestine
Covert operations were key to their military strategy.
Common Curiosities
What is the primary difference between covert and overt?
Covert is concealed and secret, while overt is open and apparent.
Is overt behavior always honest?
Overt behavior is open, but it may not always be honest or truthful.
Can actions be both covert and overt?
Actions are typically either covert or overt, not both, due to their opposing natures.
Are covert operations illegal?
Not necessarily; they can be legal or illegal, depending on their nature and jurisdiction.
What would be a covert job?
A covert job would be in espionage or undercover work where secrecy is paramount.
Are overt messages more effective?
Overt messages can be more effective for clear communication, depending on the context.
Can marketing be covert?
Yes, some marketing strategies are covert, like product placements in films.
Is it better to be covert or overt in negotiations?
It depends on the situation; both covert subtlety and overt transparency can be advantageous.
How do covert messages work?
Covert messages often use subtext or coded language to convey a hidden meaning.
Is overt discrimination more easily addressed?
Overt discrimination is often easier to address because it is visible and clear.
Can literature have covert themes?
Yes, literature can have underlying covert themes that are not explicitly stated.
What are overt signs of affection?
Overt signs of affection include public displays like holding hands or hugging.
What is an example of an overt action?
An overt action could be openly protesting in a public space.
Can someone be covertly hostile?
Yes, someone can express hostility in subtle or secret ways, which is covert hostility.
Why might a government use covert operations?
A government might use covert operations to achieve objectives without public scrutiny.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Prodigious vs. Prolific
Next Comparison
Judgment vs. JudgementAuthor Spotlight
Written 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.
