Definition

Adverb: 1. In a secret manner; not openly or publicly: Done in a way that is intended to be kept hidden from the knowledge of others. 2. Inwardly; privately: Done or felt in one's own mind without expressing it to others.

Usage

The adverb "secretly" modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb to describe an action performed or a state held without others' knowledge. It indicates concealment, privacy, or a lack of openness.

Examples

• Modifying a verb (action):
  • They secretly met to plan the surprise party.
  • She secretly admired his work for years before telling him.
  • The spy secretly transmitted the information.
• Modifying an adjective (state/feeling):
  • He was secretly pleased with the result, though he complained outwardly.
  • I am secretly hopeful that the plan will succeed.
• Modifying a past participle:
  • The document was secretly recorded and later leaked to the press.
  • A deal was secretly negotiated between the two companies.

Advanced Usage

• "to do something secretly": A common collocation emphasizing the covert nature of an action.
  • He had been saving money secretly for a trip around the world.
• Implied opposition or rule-breaking: Often used when the action contradicts public statements, rules, or expectations.
  • The official publicly denied the allegations but secretly knew they were true.
  • The students secretly shared answers during the test.

Variants and Related Words

• Secret (adjective): Kept hidden from knowledge or view; not known or seen by others.
  • They had a secret meeting.
• Secrecy (noun): The state of being kept hidden or the practice of keeping things secret.
  • The project was shrouded in secrecy.
• Secretive (adjective): Inclined to conceal feelings, intentions, or information.
  • He was very secretive about his past.

Synonyms

• Covertly: In a way that is not openly acknowledged or displayed.
• Privately: In a private manner; without others being involved or aware.
• Confidentially: In a way that is intended to be kept secret.
• Stealthily: In a cautious and surreptitious manner, so as not to be seen or heard.
• In secret: As a phrase with identical meaning to the adverb "secretly".

Antonyms

• Openly: Without concealment or deception; frankly or honestly.
• Publicly: In a public manner; so as to be seen or known by people in general.
• Overtly: In an open and observable way; not secretly.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• In secret: Functioning as an adverbial phrase with the same meaning as "secretly".
  • The committee operated in secret for months.
• Keep something secret: To not allow something to become known.
  • She managed to keep her illness secret from her colleagues.
• A secret admirer: A person who feels admiration or affection for someone but does not declare it openly.
  • She received flowers from a secret admirer.

Adverb

1. not openly; inwardly
   • they were secretly delighted at his embarrassment
   • hoped secretly she would change her mind
2. in secrecy; not openly
   • met secretly to discuss the invasion plans
   • the children secretly went to the movies when they were supposed to be at the library
   • they arranged to meet in secret