The quality or state of being covert; the condition of being hidden, secret, or not openly acknowledged.
From 'covert' (Old French 'couvert,' past participle of 'couvrir' meaning to cover) plus the suffix '-ness' (Old English 'nes' used to form abstract nouns). 'Covert' originally meant a shelter or covered place.
The abstract noun suffix '-ness' is one of the oldest word-building tools in English, turning adjectives into qualities we can discuss—happiness, sadness, darkness, brightness—it's been working for over a thousand years!
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