Hidden is the past participle of hide, as in, I’ve hidden the presents, but also an adjective often used with abstract nouns to suggest something present but not apparent or not perceivable: hidden talent; hidden meaning. Latent, which derives from a Latin verb meaning “to lie hidden,” can be a strong synonym for hidden. Latent refers to a power, ability, or emotion that is present as a potential, but is not yet apparent, fully developed, or openly expressed. A talent can lie or remain latent, hidden even from the possessor of it, if there has been no opportunity to develop or use it. A perceptive therapist might observe that a client’s frequent use of sarcasm reveals latent anger.

Both adjectives describe things that happen infrequently and not at regular intervals. Occasional refers to things that occur once in a while: occasional trips home; have the occasional drink. Occasional can have the effect of downplaying—both “casual” and occasional come from a Latin verb meaning “fall” or “befall,” that is, happen by chance. Sporadic’s descent from a Greek word for “seed” or “sowing,” and hence “scattered,” suggests things falling where or when they may. Sporadic emphasizes irregularity and is often paired with negative adjectives like inconsistent, unpredictable, and haphazard. In some contexts it implies that ideally things would be more frequent and consistent: sporadic efforts; sporadic attendance. Sporadic also tends to be used with explosive occurrences: sporadic outbursts; sporadic gunfire; sporadic violence.

Both words refer to someone who puts on a false or deceptive appearance or persona. Fake is the broader term. It covers all phonies—the insincere, the pretentious, and the outright deceitful. A charlatan is someone who poses as an expert in some area of knowledge and uses their charismatic gifts in order to sell a bogus miracle product—whether it’s the proverbial medicinal snake oil or political promises. Charlatans typically connive, thieve, and peddle. The word frequently appears in the company of words for exposing someone as a charlatan, such as demask and debunk. Publicly calling someone a charlatan is also newsworthy.