concealing
UK[kənˈsiːlɪŋ]US[kənˈsiːlɪŋ]
v
(present participle) Keeping something from being seen or known; hiding.
Morpheme Breakdown
con
ceal
ing
con
together
ceal
hide
ing
present participle suffix
Etymology
The verb "conceal" originates from the Old French 'conceler,' which itself was derived from the Latin 'concelare.' This Latin term is a compound of the intensive prefix 'con-' (from 'com-') and the verb 'celare,' meaning "to hide." The root 'celare' can be traced further back to the Proto-Indo-European root ḱel-, which conveyed the sense of "to cover, conceal, or save." The present participle form "concealing" follows the standard Germanic pattern in English, adding the '-ing' suffix to indicate an ongoing action. Thus, the word's evolution neatly encapsulates the concept of actively and thoroughly keeping something covered or secret.
Analysis
Structure: con (together) + ceal (hide) + ing (present participle suffix)
- con: A prefix of Latin origin, from 'com-' meaning "together, with." In this context, it functions as an intensifier.
- ceal: A root of Latin origin, from 'celare' meaning "to hide." It is the core semantic element of the word.
- ing: A suffix of Old English origin, forming the present participle of verbs.
Examples
He was charged with concealing evidence from the investigation.
The makeup is effective at concealing blemishes and dark circles.
She had a talent for concealing her true feelings behind a calm smile.