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Arcane vs Clandestine - What's the difference?

arcane | clandestine |

As adjectives the difference between arcane and clandestine

is that arcane is understood by only a few; obscure; requiring secret or mysterious knowledge while clandestine is done or kept in secret, sometimes to conceal an illicit or improper purpose.

arcane

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Understood by only a few; obscure; requiring secret or mysterious knowledge.
  • * 1997 : Chris Horrocks, Introducing Foucault'', page 67, ''The Renaissance Episteme (Totem Books, Icon Books; ISBN 1840460865)
  • A “signature” was placed on all things by God to indicate their affinities — but it was hidden, hence the search for arcane' knowledge. Knowing was '''guessing''' and ' interpreting , not observing or demonstrating.

    Synonyms

    * esoteric * recondite * clandestine

    Antonyms

    * mundane

    References

    * * * ----

    clandestine

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Done or kept in secret, sometimes to conceal an illicit or improper purpose.
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  • * 2004 — (Penny Arcade)
  • In my imagination, all work place encounters between men and women result in clandestine sex.
  • * 2005 — (Stewart Lee), 90's Comedian DVD''
  • And I don't want anyone to think I dislike Catholicism because I don't. It's actually my favourite form of clandestine global evil.
  • (freemasonry, of a person or lodge) Not recognized as a regular member.
  • Synonyms

    * (done in secret) covert, furtive, hush-hush, secret, secretive, undercover * See also