Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a secret or hidden way; not openly or publicly: "covertly" describes an action done in a manner intended to avoid being noticed or observed by others.

Usage

• The adverb "covertly" modifies a verb to indicate that the action is performed with secrecy or concealment.
• It is typically used in formal or descriptive contexts to discuss actions that are intentionally hidden from view.

Examples

• Adverb:
  • The spy moved covertly through the shadows. (The spy moved in a secretive, hidden way through the shadows.)
  • She covertly passed a note to her friend during the meeting. (She secretly passed a note, hoping not to be seen.)
  • The government agency was accused of operating covertly in the region. (The agency was accused of working in a hidden, non-public manner.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act covertly": to behave or operate in a secretive manner.
  • The investigative journalist had to act covertly to gather evidence.
• "to observe covertly": to watch someone or something without their knowledge.
  • The researcher observed the animals covertly to avoid disturbing their natural behavior.

Variants and Related Words

• Covert (adjective): not openly acknowledged or displayed; secret.
  • They had a covert meeting to discuss the strategy.
• Covertness (noun): the state or quality of being secret or hidden.
  • The covertness of the operation was crucial to its success.

Synonyms

• Secretly: in a secret manner.
• Stealthily: in a cautious and surreptitious manner, so as not to be seen or heard.
• Surreptitiously: in a way that attempts to avoid notice or attention; secretly.
• Clandestinely: in a secret and illicit way.

Antonyms

• Overtly: openly and publicly; not secretly.
• Openly: without concealment or deception; frankly.

Related Phrases

• Under the radar: (idiom) doing something without being noticed.
  • The team worked covertly, staying under the radar of their competitors.
• Behind closed doors: (idiom) in private; secretly.
  • The negotiations were conducted covertly, behind closed doors.

Adverb

1. in a covert manner
   • he did it covertly