adj
Uncommon
overt
uh-VURT
Overt (adj) means Done openly, not hidden or disguised. Example: “There was overt hostility between the two rival teams.”
adj
1
Done openly, not hidden or disguised.
"There was overt hostility between the two rival teams."
"The company faced overt criticism for its pricing policy."
How to use overt
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething out in the open, plain for everyone to see.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "covert," which means secret or hidden — the two are near opposites.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
overt racism
overt hostility
overt act
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like overt.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- overts
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
There was _____ hostility between the two rival teams.
Etymology
From Old French overt/ouvert, "opened," ultimately from Latin aperire ("to open"). It is a doublet of aperture.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for overt
See all rhymes for overt →Frequently asked questions
What does “overt” mean?
The word “overt” means done openly, not hidden or disguised. In plain terms, something out in the open, plain for everyone to see.
How do you pronounce “overt”?
“Overt” is pronounced uh-VURT (/oʊˈvɚt/ in IPA).
How do you use “overt” in a sentence?
Here is “overt” used in a sentence: “There was overt hostility between the two rival teams.”
What is the opposite of “overt”?
The opposite of “overt” — its antonyms — is covert.
What part of speech is “overt”?
“Overt” is an adjective.
Where does the word “overt” come from?
The word “overt” comes from Latin. From Old French overt/ouvert, "opened," ultimately from Latin aperire ("to open"). It is a doublet of aperture.
Is “overt” a common word?
“Overt” is an uncommon word in modern English.
