Definition

Adjective 1. Concealed from view; not visible or easily discovered. * Something that is hidden is deliberately or naturally placed out of sight, making it difficult to find or see. * Example: "The treasure was hidden in a secret compartment." 2. Not obvious or apparent; obscure. * Something that is hidden may be present but not readily noticed, understood, or accessible. * Example: "The document contained a hidden message in the code."

Examples of Usage

• "The path to the waterfall was behind thick bushes." (Concealed from view)
• "She has a talent for painting that she rarely shows anyone." (Not obvious or apparent)
• "The software has a feature that only advanced users know about." (Not easily discovered)
• "The true cost of the project was in the complex financial report." (Obscured, not apparent)

Advanced Usage

• "Hidden agenda": A secret plan or motive, especially one that is different from the stated or apparent intention.
  • Example: "People were suspicious that his friendly offer might have a hidden agenda."
• "Hidden costs/charges/fees": Additional expenses that are not included in the initially stated price.
  • Example: "Be sure to read the contract to avoid any hidden fees."
• "Hidden depths": Qualities, intelligence, or emotions that a person possesses but does not readily show.
  • Example: "He seems quiet, but he has hidden depths of wisdom."

Variants and Related Words

• Hide (verb): To put or keep out of sight; to conceal.
  • Example: "He tried to hide his disappointment."
• Hideaway (noun): A place where one can go to be alone or to hide.
  • Example: "They have a cozy hideaway in the mountains."
• Hide-and-seek (noun): A children's game in which one player tries to find the others, who are hiding.
  • Example: "The children played hide-and-seek in the garden."

Synonyms

• Concealed: Kept from sight; hidden.
• Secret: Kept from knowledge or view; not known or seen by others.
• Obscured: Not clearly seen, understood, or expressed.
• Covert: Not openly acknowledged or displayed; secret.

Antonyms

• Visible: Able to be seen.
• Obvious: Easily perceived or understood; clear.
• Apparent: Clearly visible or understood; obvious.
• Exposed: Not covered or hidden; visible.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Hide one's light under a bushel": To conceal one's talents or good qualities.
  • Example: "Don't hide your light under a bushel—you should apply for that promotion!"
• "Now you see me, now you don't": A phrase often used in magic or playfully to describe something that appears and disappears, emphasizing its nature.

Adjective

1. difficult to find
   • hidden valleys
   • a hidden cave
   • an obscure retreat
2. designed to elude detection
   • a hidden room or place of concealment such as a priest hole
   • a secret passage
   • the secret compartment in the desk
3. not accessible to view
   • concealed (or hidden) damage
   • in stormy weather the stars are out of sight