sneaking
/'sni:kiɳ/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Not openly expressed; secret or hidden: Describes a feeling, thought, or suspicion that is kept private or concealed.
- Acting in a stealthy or furtive manner: Describes behavior that is secretive, sly, or done to avoid notice.
Usage
The adjective "sneaking" is used to modify nouns, most commonly describing feelings (e.g., suspicion, admiration, fondness) that one is reluctant to admit openly. It can also describe actions done in a secretive way.
Examples
- Adjective:
- I had a sneaking suspicion that he knew the answer all along.
- She felt a sneaking admiration for his boldness, even though she disagreed with him.
- He took a sneaking glance at the test answers on the desk next to him.
Advanced Usage
- "A sneaking feeling/suspicion": A private intuition or doubt that one hesitates to voice.
- Despite the evidence, I have a sneaking feeling we're missing something important.
- "A sneaking regard/admiration/respect": A positive feeling for someone or something that one is almost ashamed to admit.
- He had a sneaking respect for his rival's determination.
Variants and Related Words
- Sneak (verb): To move or act in a stealthy, secretive way.
- He tried to sneak out of the house.
- Sneak (noun): A person who acts in a stealthy, underhanded, or cowardly way.
- Don't be a sneak—tell me what you heard.
- Sneaky (adjective): Behaving in a secret and sometimes dishonest or unpleasant way.
- That was a sneaky trick to play.
Synonyms
- Secret: Kept hidden from knowledge or view.
- Furtive: Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble.
- Covert: Not openly acknowledged or displayed.
- Unacknowledged: Not recognized or admitted.
Antonyms
- Open: Done or shown without concealment.
- Overt: Done or shown openly; plainly apparent.
- Avowed: That has been asserted, admitted, or stated publicly.
Adjective
- not openly expressed
- a sneaking suspicion