incognito
UK[ˌɪnkɒɡˈniːtəʊ]US[ˌɪnkɑːɡˈniːtoʊ]
adv
with your true identity kept secret, especially by assuming a different name or appearance
adj
having your true identity kept secret
Morpheme Breakdown
in
cognito
in
not
cognito
known, recognized
Etymology
the word 'incognito' entered english in the mid-17th century directly from italian, where it means 'unknown'. the italian term is itself a borrowing from latin 'incognitus', a compound formed from the negative prefix 'in-' and 'cognitus', the past participle of 'cognoscere' meaning 'to know'. this etymological journey, from latin through italian, perfectly preserves the original semantic logic: the state of being 'not known'. historically, it was used to describe royalty or dignitaries traveling in disguise to avoid public recognition, a concept that has broadened to encompass any anonymous or disguised activity in modern usage.
Analysis
Structure: in + cognito
in (latin, prefix meaning 'not'); cognito (from latin 'cognitus', meaning 'known, recognized')
Examples
the celebrity often travels incognito to avoid attracting attention.
he checked into the hotel under an incognito alias.
the author conducted research incognito, posing as a regular customer.