The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

SAVE 10% TODAY

Limited Time Offer!

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Transform Your Vocabulary!

incognito

adverb

/ˌɪnkɒɡˈniːtəʊ/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of incognito

To attempt to remain anonymous or conceal one's true identity.
"He traveled incognito to avoid being recognized by the paparazzi."

Detailed meaning of incognito

It refers to a situation in which someone is deliberately disguising themselves or keeping a low profile to avoid being recognized or noticed. For example, someone might travel incognito by wearing a hat and sunglasses to avoid being recognized, or they might attend a social event incognito to observe without drawing attention to themselves. The adverb "incognito" suggests a sense of secrecy or anonymity, and implies that someone is intentionally hiding their identity. It is often used in discussions of espionage, security, and undercover operations, where it is important to maintain secrecy and avoid detection.

Example sentences containing incognito

1. The celebrity traveled incognito to avoid attracting attention.
2. She decided to attend the party incognito, wearing a disguise.
3. The detective went undercover, operating incognito to gather information.
4. The artist enjoyed walking around the city incognito, observing people without being recognized.
5. The spy entered the enemy territory incognito, blending in with the locals.
6. The author attended the book signing event incognito, mingling with the crowd unnoticed.

History and etymology of incognito

The adverb 'incognito' has an intriguing etymology rooted in Italian. It derives from the Italian phrase 'in incognito,' which can be translated as 'in disguise' or 'in an unknown manner.' 'Incognito' itself is a combination of two Latin words: 'in' meaning 'in' or 'into,' and 'cognitus' derived from 'cognoscere,' which means 'to know' or 'to recognize.' Therefore, the etymology of 'incognito' suggests the idea of being in a state where one's identity is not recognized or known. This adverb has been absorbed into English to describe the act of attempting to remain anonymous or concealing one's true identity, preserving the linguistic connection to its Italian and Latin origins.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adverb incognito:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of incognito

1. The hacker operated online incognito, leaving no trace of their activities.
2. The masked superhero fought crime incognito, protecting the city without revealing their identity.
3. The billionaire traveled incognito, using a false name and identity to maintain privacy.
4. The royal family member visited the local market incognito, enjoying an ordinary day out.
5. The informant provided valuable information while remaining incognito, protecting their safety.
6. The scientist conducted secret experiments incognito, away from prying eyes.
7. The fugitive lived incognito, constantly changing identities to evade capture.
8. The journalist investigated the scandal incognito, digging for the truth without arousing suspicion.
9. The actor attended the theater incognito, watching the play from the back row.
10. The mysterious figure wandered the streets incognito, leaving people curious about their true identity.
11. The whistleblower shared classified information incognito, ensuring their safety from retaliation.
12. The explorer ventured into unknown territories incognito, documenting discoveries discreetly.
13. The celebrity chef dined at a local restaurant incognito, savoring the dishes without being recognized.
14. The entrepreneur attended the business conference incognito, networking without revealing their influential status.