* Leak: Means to release information secretly or without authorization. It focuses on the act of revealing information, often unintentionally or through a breach of security.
* Clandestine: Means secret or concealed, usually for illicit or illegal purposes. It implies an intention to hide the activity, not just the information.
Examples:
* Leak: "The government had a leak in the intelligence report, exposing their secret operation."
* Clandestine: "The spies conducted a clandestine meeting in a dark alley."
Overlap:
While "leak" doesn't directly mean "clandestine," they can sometimes overlap:
* A leak can be a part of a clandestine operation: For example, a leak might be used to spread disinformation as part of a secret campaign.
* Clandestine activities often involve leaks: Leaking information is sometimes a way to expose a secret operation.
In conclusion:
"Leak" and "clandestine" are related concepts, but they have distinct meanings. "Leak" focuses on the act of revealing information, while "clandestine" refers to the secrecy of an activity.