hidden
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
Kept out of sight or made difficult to find or perceive.
Implied, latent, or not readily apparent; operating in the background.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Hidden" can describe both concrete concealment and abstract qualities not immediately evident. It often carries a nuance of intentionality or inherent obscurity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties, though in some contexts (e.g., 'hidden costs') may carry a negative connotation.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both corpora.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be + hidden + (from + NP)keep + NP + hiddenremain/stay + hiddenNP + be + hidden + ADV/PPVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a hidden agenda”
- “hidden depths”
- “hide your light under a bushel”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Hidden costs" are charges not included in the initial price.
Academic
"Hidden variables" in research refer to unmeasured factors that may influence outcomes.
Everyday
Used for objects (e.g., keys) or feelings (e.g., hidden resentment).
Technical
In computing, a 'hidden file' is not displayed in standard directory listings.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She had hidden the biscuits at the back of the cupboard.
- The files are hidden from unauthorised users.
American English
- He had hidden the spare key under the flowerpot.
- The details were hidden in the fine print.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb; 'in a hidden manner' is periphrastic.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- There's a hidden catch to this contract.
- They discovered a hidden medieval doorway.
American English
- Watch out for hidden fees on your bill.
- She has a hidden talent for singing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The cat is hidden under the bed.
- I found a hidden picture in the book.
- The path was hidden by long grass.
- There are hidden costs in this mobile phone plan.
- His diary contained a wealth of hidden emotions.
- The software has a hidden admin mode for advanced users.
- The report exposed the hidden mechanisms of political influence.
- Her ostensibly simple poetry reveals hidden depths upon closer analysis.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HIDDEN HEN sitting on eggs in a nest, kept out of sight.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS LIGHT, IGNORANCE IS DARKNESS (e.g., 'bring hidden facts to light').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'secret' ('секретный'), which implies confidentiality rather than physical concealment. 'Hidden' is more directly 'скрытый'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'The door was hide.' Correct: 'The door was hidden.' Confusing verb and adjective forms.
Practice
Quiz
In which phrase does 'hidden' NOT imply something negative or problematic?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is frequently used for abstract concepts like 'hidden meaning', 'hidden talent', or 'hidden danger'.
'Hidden' primarily refers to being out of sight or not apparent. 'Secret' emphasizes being deliberately kept unknown to others, often involving confidentiality.
Very rarely and not in standard modern usage. The noun form is 'hiding' (e.g., 'go into hiding').
Both 'hid' (simple past) and 'hidden' (past participle) are correct. 'Hidden' is used with auxiliary verbs (have/had/has been, etc.).