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secret admirer — someone who is romantically attracted to another person but keeps their identity hidden from that person

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: someone who is romantically attracted to another person but keeps their identity hidden from that person

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsiːkrət ədˈmaɪrər/

Example Sentences

  • Jake discovered his secret admirer was actually his best friend's grandmother who had been sending him cookies all semester.
  • The secret admirer left a love letter in her locker every Friday for three months.
  • She was disappointed when her secret admirer turned out to be the creepy guy from the office cafeteria.

secret admirer

NOUN

[/ˈsiːkrət ədˈmaɪrər/]

someone who is romantically attracted to another person but keeps their identity hidden from that person

A secret admirer leaves roses at her locker every Monday morning.
💡 Concept

A secret admirer leaves roses at her locker every Monday morning.

A secret admirer becomes a daily inspirer!
🎵 Rhyme

A secret admirer becomes a daily inspirer!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈsiːkrət ədˈmaɪrər/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈsiːkrət ədˈmaɪərə/

🌳Etymology

Rootsecret
Suffix--er

Origin

The phrase combines Latin 'secretus' (separated, hidden) and 'admirari' (to wonder at, admire). The term gained cultural significance during the medieval courtly love tradition, where knights would court noblewomen while concealing their identities, establishing the romantic convention of anonymous admiration.

Breakdown

secret (from Latin secretus, meaning hidden or concealed) + admirer (one who admires, from Latin admirari meaning to wonder at or regard with esteem).

🎵Rhyme

admirer
inspirer
enquirer

🔗Collocations

receive gifts from a secret admirer
mysterious secret admirer
reveal one's identity as a secret admirer
anonymous secret admirer
secret admirer's note

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“Jake discovered his secret admirer was actually his best friend's grandmother who had been sending him cookies all semester.”

“The secret admirer left a love letter in her locker every Friday for three months.”

😄 Fun example

“She was disappointed when her secret admirer turned out to be the creepy guy from the office cafeteria.”

“Having a secret admirer made her feel special and mysterious.”

📚Related Words

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