WordValeovert
done openly; not hidden
In more detail
1. (adjective) done or shown openly and obviously; not hidden or secret
2. (adjective) easy to notice or recognize; visible or apparent
Examples
- 1. The government's overt support for the new policy was announced at a press conference.
- 2. There was an overt difference between what he said and what he actually did.
How to use overt
Overt describes something that is openly displayed or easily perceptible, rather than concealed or implied. It is commonly used in formal and critical contexts to highlight intentional or shameless behavior, particularly in discussions of discrimination, politics, or conflict. Unlike obvious, which simply means easy to see, overt emphasizes the deliberate or unashamed nature of the act.
Common phrases
- overt action
- overt racism
- overt hostility
- overt support
- overt discrimination
- overt threat
Synonyms
open · obvious · apparent · blatant · unconcealed
Opposites
covert · hidden · secret
Word family
overtly (adverb) · overtness (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse overt with covert (its opposite); remember that overt means open and visible, while covert means hidden and secret.
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD