Hidden vs I’m stealthy like a ninja

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

Hidden

Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective

I’m stealthy like a ninja

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: HiddenMost common: Hidden
 HiddenI’m stealthy like a ninja
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/ˈhɪdn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhɪdn/"]/🇬🇧 //aɪm ˈstɛlθi laɪk ə ˈnɪn.dʒə//🇺🇸 //aɪm ˈstɛlθi laɪk ə ˈnɪn.dʒə//
MeaningNot seen or noticed.I am quiet and careful like a ninja.
ExampleHidden dangers lurk in the ocean depths.When I entered the room, I felt like I’m stealthy like a ninja.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelB2-
Part of speechadjective
Collocationshidden treasure, hidden message, hidden camera, hidden talent, hidden dangermove stealthily, be stealthy, stealthy approach
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.Using 'ninja' in a serious context when it should be playful., Confusing 'stealthy' with 'sneaky' - stealthy is usually more positive.
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 humorously or playfully to describe someone who is good at being quiet or unnoticed. It's informal and best used in casual conversations.

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Hidden
I’m stealthy like a ninja

Frequently asked questions: Hidden vs I’m stealthy like a ninja

What's the difference between Hidden and I’m stealthy like a ninja?

Hidden: Not seen or noticed. I’m stealthy like a ninja: I am quiet and careful like a ninja.

Which is more formal: Hidden and I’m stealthy like a ninja?

Hidden is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Hidden and I’m stealthy like a ninja?

Hidden is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Hidden: Hidden dangers lurk in the ocean depths. I’m stealthy like a ninja: When I entered the room, I felt like I’m stealthy like a ninja.

Can I use Hidden and I’m stealthy like a ninja interchangeably?

Not always. Hidden and I’m stealthy like a ninja 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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