hidden

The word “hidden” means kept out of sight; not easily noticed or found. In plain terms, describes something concealed or not obvious at first glance.

“Hidden” is pronounced HIHD-n (/ˈhɪd.(ə)n/ in IPA).

Here is “hidden” used in a sentence: “There's a hidden compartment under the floorboards.”

Words with a similar meaning to “hidden” include covered, concealed, dark, dern, invisible and inward.

The opposite of “hidden” — its antonyms — are apparent, overt, open and visible.

“Hidden” is an adjective.

“Hidden” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

They are very close in meaning and often interchangeable. Hidden simply means out of sight or hard to find, and can happen by accident or on purpose. Concealed almost always implies a deliberate effort to keep something from being seen, so it sounds slightly more intentional and formal than hidden does.

The most direct opposites are "visible," "exposed," and "revealed." Something hidden is out of sight, while something visible is in plain view. Related opposites include "open," "obvious," and "on display," depending on the context; for a secret, "known" or "public" may be the more natural contrast.

Everyday examples include a spare key hidden under a doormat, a hidden compartment in a drawer, or a secret message concealed within a letter. The word also applies to things that are not physically covered but easy to miss, such as hidden fees in a contract or a hidden meaning in a poem.