Secretive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🤫
secretive
[ˈsiːkrətɪv ]
Definitions
in behavior
inclined to keep one's thoughts, feelings, and intentions hidden from others; not revealing or open
Synonyms
mysterious, private, reserved.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| secretive |
Used when describing a person who likes to keep information or their own activities hidden. Often implies an intentional effort to conceal something.
|
| private |
Used for someone who prefers to keep their personal matters and feelings confidential. It focuses more on personal boundaries rather than hiding something intentionally.
|
| reserved |
Describes a person who is restrained in speech or behavior, generally quiet and not very outgoing. It emphasizes a natural tendency to be introverted.
|
| mysterious |
Appropriate for describing something or someone that is difficult to understand or explain, often invoking a sense of intrigue or curiosity.
|
Examples of usage
- He was a secretive person who rarely shared his true emotions.
- The company has a secretive culture where employees are discouraged from discussing their projects with others.
in nature
having a tendency to conceal information or actions; characterized by secrecy
Synonyms
clandestine, stealthy, surreptitious.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| secretive |
Used to describe someone who habitually keeps things hidden or private. This is often neutral but can imply a lack of transparency.
|
| surreptitious |
Implying actions done secretly and unnoticed, often to avoid disapproval or to hide something that is not allowed.
|
| stealthy |
Describes actions that are done quietly and secretly to avoid being noticed. It often implies careful and deliberate efforts to remain undetected.
|
| clandestine |
Used when referring to activities that are done in secret because they are illicit or unauthorized. These activities are often planned and executed secretly.
|
Examples of usage
- She had a secretive smile that made others curious about what she was hiding.
- The secretive nature of the organization raised suspicions among the public.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People who are secretive may do so to protect their privacy or because they've experienced trust issues in the past.
- Studies suggest that secretive behavior can be linked to anxiety, as individuals may fear judgment or rejection.
- But being secretive can also be a strategic choice in competitive environments, such as in business or sports.
Pop Culture
- Secretive characters often appear in literature and films, adding mystery and intrigue to plots, like in spy novels.
- The popularity of secretive figures is evident in franchises like 'Harry Potter', where secrecy plays a key role in the storyline.
- Famous secretive personalities, like certain celebrities, often spark public curiosity and speculation about their private lives.
Sociology
- Cultural norms around privacy can vary; in some societies, being secretive is seen as protective, while in others, it may be viewed negatively.
- Age groups also influence secretive tendencies; for example, teenagers might be more secretive than adults as they seek independence.
- Certain professions, like those in intelligence or law enforcement, are expected to maintain a high level of secrecy due to the nature of their work.
Literature
- Secretive protagonists often serve as unreliable narrators, creating suspense and depth to storytelling.
- Classical literature often features secretive characters whose hidden motives drive the plot, as seen in works by Shakespeare.
- In modern narratives, ambiguity surrounding a character's private life can lead to unexpected twists and enhance reader engagement.
Origin of 'secretive'
Main points about word origin
- The word derives from the Latin 'secretus', meaning 'set apart' or 'separated', indicating something hidden away.
- It first appeared in the English language in the 14th century, evolving from ideas surrounding privacy and concealment.
- Related words include 'secret' which suggests something not meant to be known by everyone.
The word 'secretive' originated from the combination of the word 'secret' with the suffix '-ive', which is used to form adjectives. The term has been in use since the 19th century, evolving to describe individuals or things that are inclined to keep secrets or conceal information. The concept of secrecy has been a part of human behavior for centuries, with the need to protect sensitive information or maintain privacy driving the use of words like 'secretive' to describe such behavior.
See also: secrecy, secret, secretary, secrete, secretion, secretively, secretly.