noun
Uncommon
secrecy
SEEK-ruh-see
Secrecy (noun) means the practice of keeping something hidden or known only to a few people. Example: “The plans were developed in complete secrecy.”
noun
1
The practice of keeping something hidden or known only to a few people.
"The plans were developed in complete secrecy."
"She swore her friend to secrecy about the surprise party."
"The company worked in such secrecy that even some staff did not know about the product."
How to use secrecy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe state of keeping something private or concealed from others.
Common pairings
sworn to secrecy
in secrecy
a veil of secrecy
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Word forms
- Plural
- secrecies
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The plans were developed in complete _____.
Etymology
An alteration of the older Middle English word "secretee," from Old French "secré," ultimately from Latin "secretus."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for secrecy
See all rhymes for secrecy →Frequently asked questions
What does “secrecy” mean?
The word “secrecy” means the practice of keeping something hidden or known only to a few people. In plain terms, the state of keeping something private or concealed from others.
How do you pronounce “secrecy”?
“Secrecy” is pronounced SEEK-ruh-see (/ˈsiːkɹəsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “secrecy” in a sentence?
Here is “secrecy” used in a sentence: “The plans were developed in complete secrecy.”
What is another word for “secrecy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “secrecy” include dern.
What part of speech is “secrecy”?
“Secrecy” is a noun.
Where does the word “secrecy” come from?
The word “secrecy” comes from Latin. An alteration of the older Middle English word "secretee," from Old French "secré," ultimately from Latin "secretus.".
Is “secrecy” a common word?
“Secrecy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between secrecy and privacy?
Secrecy refers to deliberately keeping something hidden or known only to a few people, often implying concealment from those who might otherwise expect to know. Privacy is more about an individual's right to keep personal matters undisclosed, without necessarily implying active concealment from others.
What is the difference between secrecy and confidentiality?
Confidentiality typically describes an agreed or professional obligation to keep specific information private, such as between a doctor and patient. Secrecy is a broader term for keeping something hidden generally, whether or not there's a formal agreement involved.
Is secrecy always viewed negatively?
Not necessarily. Secrecy can be neutral or even necessary, such as in national security or trade matters, but it often carries a negative connotation when it involves hiding wrongdoing or excluding people who have a legitimate interest in the information.
