Difference between Covert and Clandestine
Key Difference: Covert refers to something that is not openly acknowledged or displayed, whereas clandestine refers to something that is either kept secret or done secretively. Additionally, things that are clandestine are usually secretive because they are not commonly morally correct.
The terms Covert and Clandestine are often used together in the same context and as synonymous. However, it should be noted that while the terms are similar, they are do not actually mean that same thing. Instead, there is a slight difference between the two terms.
Both covert and clandestine refer to things that are done secretly or not openly. However the implication of the two terms are different from each other.
Covert refers to something that is not openly acknowledged or displayed, whereas clandestine refers to something that is either kept secret or done secretively. In terms of covert, the thing being referred to need not be something that is secret. It could be something that most people or at least some people already know about, however, the thing is not usually openly discussed as it is covert.
Clandestine, on the other hand, refers to something that is secret and is meant to be hidden; very few people other than the ones directly involved in the act know about it. Hence, there is this implication of extreme secrecy, which covert does not have.
Additionally, things that are clandestine are usually secretive because they are not commonly morally correct. They are often in the wrong, which is why the people involved often choose to keep them secret. Whereas, covert does not have this moral implication.
Another difference between them is that fact that the term covert is typically used in a military context, i.e. covert operations, covert spies, etc. The implication here being that why the military or even the some of the public may know about it, they are not openly discussed as doing so may lead the knowledge to be passed to the enemy.
The term clandestine, on the other hand, is commonly used in both, a military context, as well as in common usage. In terms of clandestine missions or operatives, they are kept a secret from everyone who is not directly involved in it. The reason behind this is to primarily to keep them safe from the enemy, however, there is also an implication that what they may be doing may not be 100% legal, and hence may draw backlash. For example: a clandestine mission to assassinate someone who is considered a threat.
However, the term clandestine is also commonly used in general language, such as referring to clandestine meetings with an ex or with a mistress. These kinds of meeting are usually clandestine, i.e. secret because people would not approve of them as they are morally questionable.
Comparison between Covert and Clandestine:
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Covert |
Clandestine |
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Definition (Oxford Dictionaries) |
Not openly acknowledged or displayed. |
Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit. |
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Description |
Something that is not exactly a secret but is not openly talked about |
Something is usually done secretly mainly because it is wrong. |
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Etymology |
Middle English (in the general senses ‘covered’ and ‘a cover’): from Old French, ‘covered’, past participle of covrir (see cover). |
Mid-16th century: from French clandestin or Latin clandestinus, from clam ‘secretly’. |
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Usage |
Primarily military |
Military as well as in common usage |
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Morality |
No implication of it being wrong, illicit, or illegal |
Something wrong, illicit, or even illegal |
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Example |
Covert operatives Covert missions Covert communication |
Clandestine mission Clandestine meetings with his mistress |
Reference: Oxford Dictionaries (Covert and Clandestine), Wikipedia, Weapon’s Man, Master of None Image Courtesy: dwdstudios.com, mmohuts.com
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