surreptitious
/,sʌrəp'tiʃəs/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Done, made, or acquired in a secret, stealthy, or unauthorized way: Describes actions or things that are intentionally kept hidden from view or knowledge, often because they are improper or forbidden.
- Operating by stealth to avoid notice: Characterized by quiet, cautious, and secretive behavior intended to escape observation.
Usage
- The word "surreptitious" is used to describe actions, glances, activities, or methods that are deliberately concealed. It often carries a negative connotation of deceit or illegitimacy.
- It is a formal adjective. Common collocations include: .
Examples
- The spy made a surreptitious exchange of documents in the crowded market.
- She took a surreptitious photograph of the whiteboard during the meeting.
- Their surreptitious plan to undermine the project was eventually discovered.
- He cast a surreptitious look at his phone while the teacher was talking.
Advanced Usage
- "Sneak" vs. "Surreptitious": While both imply secrecy, "sneak" often describes a single, quick, covert action (e.g., a ), whereas "surreptitious" describes a more sustained, methodical, or calculated secrecy.
- In Literature: Often used to build tension or describe characters engaged in clandestine plots or observations.
Variants and Related Words
- Surreptitiously (adverb): In a secret or stealthy manner.
- He surreptitiously slipped the note into her bag.
- Surreptitiousness (noun, rare): The quality of being surreptitious.
Synonyms
- Clandestine: Kept secret or done secretively, especially for illicit purposes.
- Covert: Not openly acknowledged or displayed.
- Furtive: Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble.
- Stealthy: Behaving or done in a cautious and surreptitious manner.
- Undercover: Involving secret work for investigation or spying.
Antonyms
- Open
- Overt
- Aboveboard
- Public
Idioms and Phrases
- "On the sly": This informal idiom is a close conceptual match, meaning secretly, especially to avoid disapproval.
- He's been seeing her on the sly.
- "Behind someone's back": Doing something secretly and deceitfully.
- They made the decision surreptitiously, behind the manager's back.
Adjective
- conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
- clandestine intelligence operations
- cloak-and-dagger activities behind enemy lines
- hole-and-corner intrigue
- secret missions
- a secret agent
- secret sales of arms
- surreptitious mobilization of troops
- an undercover investigation
- underground resistance
- marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
- a furtive manner
- a sneak attack
- stealthy footsteps
- a surreptitious glance at his watch