Hidden vs The stars are veiled

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Hidden

Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective

The stars are veiled

Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Hidden
 HiddenThe stars are veiled
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈhɪdn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhɪdn/"]/🇬🇧 //ðə stɑːrz ɑːr veɪld//🇺🇸 //ðə stɑrz ɑr veɪld//
MeaningNot seen or noticed.The stars are hidden from view.
ExampleHidden dangers lurk in the ocean depths.On cloudy nights, the stars are veiled by thick layers of cloud.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechadjective
Collocationshidden treasure, hidden message, hidden camera, hidden talent, hidden dangerveiled beauty, veiled references, veiled threat
Antonymsvisible, seen, exposed-
Common mistakesConfused with 'hid' instead of 'hidden' as an adjective., Using 'hidden' when speaking about something that is just misplaced instead of genuinely concealed., Using 'hidden' in contexts where 'secret' might be more appropriate.Confused with 'the stars are revealed'., Misuse in literal contexts, where it doesn't make sense., Omitting the article 'the' before 'stars'.
Usage notesUsed to describe something that is not visible or detected. Common in both written and spoken contexts. Avoid using it for physical objects that are simply out of sight.This phrase is often used in poetic or metaphorical contexts. It suggests a sense of mystery or obscured beauty. Avoid in literal conversation.

See it in real clips

Hidden
The stars are veiled

Frequently asked questions: Hidden vs The stars are veiled

What's the difference between Hidden and The stars are veiled?

Hidden: Not seen or noticed. The stars are veiled: The stars are hidden from view.

Which is more common: Hidden and The stars are veiled?

Hidden is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Hidden: Hidden dangers lurk in the ocean depths. The stars are veiled: On cloudy nights, the stars are veiled by thick layers of cloud.

Can I use Hidden and The stars are veiled interchangeably?

Not always. Hidden and The stars are veiled are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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