in absolute secrecy; with utmost secrecy
Used adverbially as 極秘裏に to describe actions carried out under the strictest confidentiality. Often found in formal or official contexts.
The negotiations were conducted in absolute secrecy.
A meeting was held with utmost secrecy.
秘密 is a general noun for 'secret' or 'secrecy'. 極秘裏 emphasizes the manner of doing something in complete secrecy, often used adverbially.
内密 means 'confidential' or 'private', often used in personal or business contexts. 極秘裏 is stronger and more formal, implying top-level secrecy.
Standard kanji spelling. The character 裏 is the modern form.
Variant using the older character 裡. Less common in modern writing.
Compound of 極秘 (top secret) and 裏 (back, hidden side), literally 'behind the scenes of top secrecy'. The reading ごくひり is a standard on'yomi combination.