How Do You Spell DARK SECRET?

Pronunciation: [dˈɑːk sˈiːkɹət] (IPA)

The spelling of the phrase "dark secret" is quite straightforward. The word "dark" is spelled with a silent "k" and the "a" should be pronounced as /ɑː/. The word "secret" is spelled with an "e" instead of an "i," and the "re" at the end should be pronounced as /r/. The stress in the word falls on the first syllable, making the pronunciation of the phrase /dɑːrk ˈsiːkrət/. It's important to get the spelling and pronunciation of this phrase right as it's commonly used in both written and spoken English.

DARK SECRET Meaning and Definition

1. A "dark secret" refers to a hidden or undisclosed aspect of an individual or a group that is surrounded by a sense of secrecy, shame, or guilt due to its potentially harmful, illicit, or unsavory nature. This term often implies an intimate flaw or shameful behavior that contrasts with the public persona or moral standards of the person or group in question.

   A dark secret can encompass a wide range of issues such as personal vices, criminal activities, illicit relationships, unethical behavior, or past traumas deeply buried within someone's psyche. The darkness associated with such a secret suggests that it is concealed from others, leading to feelings of unease, anxiety, or even paranoia for the individuals involved.

   At times, dark secrets may arise due to societal taboos, fear of judgment, or consequences that revealing them could bring, leading individuals to go to great lengths to ensure their secrecy. The weight of carrying a dark secret can lead to immense psychological stress, as the fear of discovery or the feeling of being morally compromised can eat away at a person's conscience and erode their mental well-being.

   Ultimately, a dark secret implies that the information kept hidden has the potential to cause harm, either to oneself or others involved, and carries a heavy emotional burden on the individual or group in possession of it.

Common Misspellings for DARK SECRET

• sark secret
• xark secret
• cark secret
• fark secret
• rark secret
• eark secret
• dzrk secret
• dsrk secret
• dwrk secret
• dqrk secret
• daek secret
• dadk secret
• dafk secret
• datk secret
• da5k secret
• da4k secret
• darj secret
• darm secret
• darl secret
• daro secret

Etymology of DARK SECRET

The etymology of the word "dark secret" can be understood by examining the origins of each component:

1. Dark: The term "dark" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled "deorc". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "derkaz", which means "dark" or "obscure". The word can be traced further back to the Proto-Indo-European root "dher-, dhor-", meaning "blind" or "dull". Over time, "dark" began to also encompass meanings related to secrecy, mystery, and hiddenness.

2. Secret: The word "secret" comes from the Latin word "secretus", which means "put apart" or "set apart". It originated from the past participle of the verb "secernere", which combines "se-" (apart) and "cernere" (to separate).

Idioms with the word DARK SECRET

• deep, dark secret The idiom "deep, dark secret" refers to a hidden or concealed piece of information or knowledge that is kept undisclosed, often due to its potentially shameful, embarrassing, or incriminating nature. It implies that this secret is not openly shared and is buried in the depths of one's personal history or experiences.

Plural form of DARK SECRET is DARK SECRETS