sneakily
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: - In a secretive, sly, or stealthy manner: Acting or done in a way intended to avoid being noticed or observed. - In a furtive or underhanded way: Behaving or operating in a deceitful or clandestine fashion.
Usage
The adverb "sneakily" describes how an action is performed. It modifies verbs to indicate the action is done with secrecy or deceit. - It typically comes after the verb it modifies or at the end of a clause. - It describes behavior that is meant to be hidden from view or knowledge.
Examples
- The cat sneakily approached the bird feeder. (The cat moved in a stealthy, secretive way.)
- He sneakily read his sister's diary when she wasn't in the room.
- The software was sneakily collecting user data without clear consent.
- She glanced sneakily at her neighbor's test paper during the exam.
Advanced Usage
- "To do something sneakily": This is a common collocation emphasizing the covert nature of the action.
- He copied the files sneakily onto a USB drive.
- Used to imply criticism or disapproval of the secretive action.
- The company sneakily changed the terms of service.
Variants and Related Words
- Sneaky (adjective): Characterized by stealth or secrecy.
- That was a sneaky trick you played.
- Sneak (noun/verb):
- Noun: A person who acts in a stealthy or underhanded way.
- Verb: To move or act in a stealthy way (e.g., He tried to sneak past the guard).
Synonyms
- Stealthily: In a cautious and quiet manner to avoid detection.
- Furtively: In a way that attempts to avoid notice, often suggesting guilt.
- Surreptitiously: In a way that is kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.
- Clandestinely: In a secret and often illegal or illicit manner.
Antonyms
- Openly: Without concealment or deception.
- Frankly: In an open, honest, and direct manner.
- Overtly: In a way that is done or shown publicly or obviously.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- On the sly: Doing something secretly, especially something that is not approved of. (This is a close idiomatic equivalent to "sneakily".)
- He's been seeing her on the sly.
Adverb
- in a surreptitious manner
- he was watching her surreptitiously as she waited in the hotel lobby