Incognito

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˌɪnˈkÉ’É¡nɝtoÊŠ/, IPA: /ˌɪnkɒɡˈniːtoÊŠ/ (Because the second i is short, the correct Latin pronunciation puts the emphasis on the syllable "cog".)

Origin

From Latin incognitus ("unknown"), from in- ("not") + cognitus ("known"), perfect passive participle of cognoscere via Italian incognito.

Full definition of incognito

Adjective

1. without being known; in disguise; in an assumed character, or under an assumed title.
• 1891, Arthur Conan Doyle, A Scandal In Bohemia:"But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, “you can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting you.”

Usage notes

This term is said especially of great personages who sometimes adopt a disguise or an assumed character in order to avoid notice.

Adverb

1. Without revealing one's identity.

Noun

1. One unknown or in disguise, or under an assumed character or name.
2. The assumption of disguise or of a feigned character; the state of being in disguise or not recognized.

Anagrams

• cognition