overt

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'overt' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe something that is done openly and without attempting to conceal it. For example: "His overt hostility made it difficult for us to continue the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The geostrategic setting in the Middle East is once again favourable to an Iranian-Israeli rapprochement, whether overt or sub rosa.

The Guardian

"There is nothing overt to show he is a dangerous individual.

The Guardian

Related: 'Papers to pee': Texas, Kentucky and Florida consider anti-transgender bills Though none of the bills has passed so far, they are seen as a sign of a new aggressiveness on the part of state-level Republicans in publicly expressing overt hostility towards transgender people.

The Guardian

It is this more oblique objective that the writer must aim for, even if that writer wishes for a more overt conversion.

The Guardian - Opinion

The danger is that celebrity-backed projects can be as vapid as fame itself – and nowhere has the spectacle of political celebrity commingling with disaster become as overt as in Haiti.

The Guardian

Having persuaded Murdoch that his version of Labour, which ditched the term socialist in favour of New, along with clause IV, was no threat to Murdoch's global ambitions, Blair secured the tacit and even overt support of the Tory press.

The Guardian

Yet, unlike the English (and Italians), I am imbued with an Australian contempt for divisions of class, for overt shows of elitism and blatant nepotism.

The Guardian - Opinion

People are overt in their dislike of my profession, but I must politely refute a worrying amount of misinformation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

During the filming of the followup, Marnie, Hedren claimed that he also "made an overt sexual proposition", and when she resisted "became threatening", saying he would ruin her career.

The Guardian - Film

Without financial power or overt political affiliations, young people are too often ignored in this costive age".

The Guardian

No one should attempt to rehabilitate either Powell or his vile ideas, and his kind of overt racism is, fortunately, now absent from mainstream politics.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "overt" when you want to emphasize that an action or expression is done openly and without any attempt at concealment. It's particularly effective when contrasting it with something hidden or covert.

Common error

While both words relate to clarity, don't use "overt" when you mean something is simply very clear or detailed. "Overt" specifically refers to something done openly, whereas "explicit" refers to something stated directly.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "overt" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something done openly and without concealment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It typically precedes the noun it modifies, as seen in examples like "overt support" or "overt racism".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overt" functions as an adjective denoting openness and lack of concealment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While synonyms like "explicit" or "blatant" exist, "overt" maintains a unique emphasis on undisguised action. To use it effectively, remember it describes actions done without secrecy, and it's not simply synonymous with clear. Steer clear of confusing it with similar words like "explicit" by ensuring your focus is on the open nature, not just the clarity, of what you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

explicit

Refers to something expressed clearly and without any ambiguity, differing from "overt" by emphasizing clarity rather than just visibility.

blatant

Implies an offensively obvious or conspicuous action or attitude, adding a negative connotation that "overt" doesn't necessarily carry.

manifest

Suggests something that is clear or obvious to the eye or mind, similar to "overt" but with a stronger implication of being easily perceived.

apparent

Indicates that something is clearly visible or understood, differing from "overt" in its focus on perception rather than action.

patent

Describes something so obvious that no proof is needed, conveying a sense of undeniable clarity that "overt" may not fully capture.

undisguised

Means not concealed or hidden, closely mirroring the meaning of "overt" but emphasizing the lack of any attempt to hide something.

unconcealed

Similar to "undisguised", stressing the absence of any attempt to hide or keep something secret, which aligns with the meaning of "overt".

flagrant

Signifies something conspicuously or obviously offensive, adding a dimension of wrongfulness that "overt" does not inherently imply.

evident

Means plain or obvious, clearly seen or understood, which is a general characteristic of "overt" but focuses more on the ease of understanding.

obvious

Highlights the ease with which something can be seen or understood, capturing a key aspect of "overt" but without necessarily implying intention.

FAQs

How can I use "overt" in a sentence?

You can use "overt" to describe actions or expressions that are done openly and without any attempt at concealment. For example: "His "overt support" for the rebels was widely criticized".

What's the difference between "overt" and "covert"?

"Overt" refers to something done openly and visibly, while "covert" refers to something done secretly or hidden. They are antonyms, representing opposite approaches to action or expression.

What can I say instead of "overt"?

You can use alternatives like "explicit", "blatant", or "manifest" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "overt" the same as "obvious"?

While both words relate to clarity, "overt" emphasizes that something is done openly and visibly, while "obvious" simply means that something is easily perceived or understood. "Overt" implies a deliberate lack of concealment.