adjective
furtive
FER-tiv/ˈfɜːrtɪv/
Done in secret to avoid being noticed.
The thief casts a furtive glance while taking the watch.
Etymology
From theft came Latin furtivus, meaning “stolen” and hence “hidden” or “secret.” Furtive preserves that association with concealment: behavior that looks as though something guilty must be kept from discovery.
In context
She looked him over with bold, bright eyes, unlike the usual furtive glance of hillwomen.
More examples
- She noticed a furtive movement behind the curtain.
- The character slipped away with a furtive air.
- Their furtive conversation stopped when the manager approached.
Forms
furtive · more furtive · most furtive
furtively adverb — in a way intended to avoid notice
Similar words
- secretive
- Secretive means reluctant to reveal information; furtive describes actions performed to avoid notice.
- stealthy
- Stealthy emphasizes moving undetected; furtive often suggests a guilty or anxious manner.