hidden

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hidden" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is not immediately visible or obvious. For example: "The entrance to the secret garden was hidden behind a large hedge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leigh Daynes, executive director of Doctors of the World UK, said: "The failure to ensure equitable access to healthcare across Europe is this century's hidden public health time bomb.

The Guardian

It's not hidden".

The New York Times - Books

They try to keep it hidden as much as they can.

The Guardian - Film

But two months after the anniversary of the Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, when most of those injured and bereaved by the disaster are still waiting for compensation – though Primark, unlike other retailers who have admitted to a presence in the factory, has contributed to the compensation fund – the secret message hidden inside a piece of women's clothing is a startling image.

The Guardian - Opinion

Disabled daughters in India are thought traditionally to bring shame and bad luck on families and so are often hidden away.

The Guardian

Mongoose Apartments are hidden in greenery just three minutes from the sand, with six one-bedroom apartments in a block surrounded by palms, each with kitchen and balcony.

The Guardian - Travel

Her wider political view is never hidden though.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or put another way, how does Labor make visible and valued what is currently hidden and undervalued?

The Guardian

We decided that we would go to school with our books hidden under our shawls".

The Guardian

Later, in Pakistan in 2003, Babar, Khyam and Amin discussed transporting detonators back to the UK, and small radios were bought so the detonators could be hidden inside, the court heard.

The Guardian

Ushuaia is bigger and geared up for tourists; the mountain backdrop is spectacular, they say, although the morning we woke to leave the ship, it was hidden by clouds that had descended almost to the rooftops, while high winds and rain were lashing the harbour.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hidden", ensure the context clearly indicates what is concealing the object or information. For example, specify if it's "hidden" by shadows, behind a door, or within complex data.

Common error

Avoid using "hidden" excessively in abstract or metaphorical contexts where more precise adjectives like 'underlying', 'implicit', or 'subtle' would be more appropriate. Overusing "hidden" can make your writing vague.

Linguistic Context

The word "hidden" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is not easily visible or apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hidden" functions as an adjective signifying something not easily seen or found, a fact supported by its grammatical correctness according to Ludwig. Its usage is very common, predominantly appearing in News & Media. While versatile, avoiding overuse in metaphorical contexts enhances clarity. Alternative phrases like "concealed" or "obscured" offer nuanced options. Ultimately, "hidden" effectively describes what is not immediately apparent or accessible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concealed

Indicates something deliberately kept out of sight or knowledge.

obscured

Suggests something is difficult to see or understand due to an obstruction or lack of clarity.

veiled

Implies something is covered or disguised, often in a subtle way.

covert

Describes something done secretly or discreetly.

unseen

Simply states that something is not visible.

under wraps

Means kept secret or confidential.

out of sight

Indicates something is not within visual range.

latent

Suggests something exists but is not yet developed or manifest; applies more to potential.

camouflaged

Means disguised to blend in with the surroundings.

unapparent

Indicates something is not easily noticed or obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "hidden" in a sentence?

You can use "hidden" to describe something that is not easily seen or found, such as "The treasure was "concealed" in a secret room" or "There are "latent" dangers in that area".

What can I say instead of "hidden"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "concealed", "obscured", or "veiled". Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "hidden dangers" or "hided dangers"?

"Hidden dangers" is the correct phrase. "Hided" is not a standard English adjective. "Latent" or "unforeseen" could also be used.

What's the difference between "hidden" and "secret"?

"Hidden" generally means something is not easily seen or found, while "secret" implies something is intentionally kept unknown. A "hidden" object may simply be out of sight, but a "secret" is deliberately "withheld" from others.