What is secret? Pronunciation and usage in English

secret means . Learn how to pronounce and use secret through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of secret

secretadjective

/ˈsiːkrɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of secret

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "secret" in English. It's a bit tricky because it's a word where the spelling doesn't always perfectly match the sound.

Here's the most common and widely accepted pronunciation:

** /ˈsiː.krɪt/**

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈsiː - This sounds like "see." It's a short, clear "see" sound.
  • krɪ - This is the tricky part. It sounds like "kree." The "i" is pronounced like the "ee" in "see.” The "r" is a very soft, almost unnoticeable "r." It's more like the "r" in "red" but barely there.
  • t - This is a simple, standard "t" sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "r": The "r" is almost silent. Many people try to pronounce a strong "r" and that's where they go wrong.
  • Focus on the "kree" sound: Practice saying "kree" a few times before putting it all together.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are a few ways to hear the pronunciation:
    • Google it: Search "how to pronounce secret" on Google and click the audio icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/secret/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce secret" – you'll find many videos.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "secret"?

Usage and examples with the word secret in English

Let's break down how to use the word "secret" in English. It's a versatile word with several nuances! Here's a comprehensive guide, broken down into categories:

1. As a Noun (The primary meaning - something hidden)

  • Definition: Something that is intentionally kept hidden from others. It’s something you don't want people to know.

  • Examples:

    • "He kept a secret about his past." (Information he didn't share)
    • "The recipe is a secret passed down through generations." (A hidden formula)
    • “Don’t tell anyone! It’s our secret.” (A confidential thing)
    • "They discovered a secret passage in the castle." (A hidden route)
    • "The company is rumored to have a secret project." (A covert endeavor)

2. As a Verb (To conceal information)

  • Definition: To hide something or keep it confidential.

  • Examples:

    • “She secreted the jewelry in her pocket.” (Hid it carefully)
    • “He secreted his feelings about the situation.” (Hidden his emotions)
    • “The spies secreted microphones in the enemy camp.” (Hid the microphones)

3. Figurative Uses of "Secret"

  • A special or exclusive thing: Sometimes “secret” implies something desirable or enjoyable.

    • "They had a secret meeting." (Suggests it was private and important)
    • "We're keeping the wedding plans a secret." (It's a special, exclusive event)
    • "He has a secret talent for playing the piano." (A hidden skill)

  • A mystery or puzzle: It can imply something unknown and intriguing.

    • "The treasure hunt involved a series of secrets." (Clues and hidden information)
    • “The movie had a lot of secrets.” (Mysteries and unanswered questions)

4. Phrases Using “Secret”

  • Keep a secret: To not reveal something. “Please keep my secret!”
  • Under a secret agreement: (Formal) An agreement that isn't publicly known.
  • A state secret: (Political) Information that is classified and restricted.
  • A closely guarded secret: Something that is protected very carefully.
  • Let the cat out of the bag: (Idiom) To reveal a secret unintentionally. (e.g., "I accidentally let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.")

5. Levels of Formality

  • "Secret" is generally considered a fairly common and flexible word.
  • It's suitable for most contexts – casual conversations to formal writing.

Tips for Using “Secret” Effectively:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to how the word is used in the sentence to understand its specific meaning.
  • Emphasize the hidden aspect: Using words like “intentionally,” “hidden,” or “confidential” can highlight the concept of secrecy.
  • Consider synonyms: If you want to vary your language, try words like: confidential, private, hidden, concealed, covert, undisclosed, mysterious.

Could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in using "secret" in? (e.g., writing a story, having a casual conversation, etc.)
  • Are there any specific scenarios you’d like me to illustrate its use with?

Synonyms for the word secret

Practice with vocabulary secret

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO's resignation was a closely guarded _____ until the official announcement.
  2. All client data is _____ and must not be disclosed to unauthorized parties.
  3. Many believe the _____ to a productive work-life balance lies in effective time management.
  4. The new project's objective was kept completely _____ from competitors until its launch phase.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The company's new product development was kept under wraps, remaining a complete _____ from the public until its official unveiling. a) revelation b) secret c) disclosure d) pronouncement

  2. To ensure the success of the delicate negotiations, the team maintained extreme _____ about their strategy, revealing only what was absolutely necessary. a) transparency b) openness c) discretion d) secrecy

  3. What is the _____ to consistently achieving high performance in a competitive market? a) key b) secret c) technique d) recipe

  4. The financial records are highly _____; only authorized personnel can access them. a) public b) confidential c) open d) accessible

  5. The agent was involved in a series of _____ operations to gather intelligence behind enemy lines. a) overt b) transparent c) covert d) visible

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: They kept their plans for the new product launch completely hidden from their competitors. Rewrite using "secret" or a related word form:

  2. Original: If you want to master this skill, consistent practice is the most important factor. Rewrite using "secret" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The documents containing sensitive personal information must not be shared with anyone outside the legal department. Rewrite without using "secret" or a related word form, but with a suitable replacement:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. secret
  2. confidential
  3. secret
  4. covert

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) secret
  2. c) discretion, d) secrecy
  3. a) key, b) secret, c) technique, d) recipe
  4. b) confidential
  5. c) covert

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Their plans for the new product launch were a complete secret from their competitors.
  2. Consistent practice is the secret to mastering this skill.
  3. The documents containing sensitive personal information are confidential and must not be shared with anyone outside the legal department.

Comment ()