Secretive: meaning, definitions and examples

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secretive

[ ˈsiːkrətɪv ]

^{Context #1}

in behavior

inclined to keep one's thoughts, feelings, and intentions hidden from others; not revealing or open

Synonyms

mysterious, private, reserved

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.

^{Context #2}

in nature

having a tendency to conceal information or actions; characterized by secrecy

Synonyms

clandestine, stealthy, surreptitious

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

Translations of the word "secretive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 reservado

🇮🇳 गुप्त

🇩🇪 geheimnisvoll

🇮🇩 rahasia

🇺🇦 таємничий

🇵🇱 skryty

🇯🇵 秘密主義の

🇫🇷 secret

🇪🇸 reservado

🇹🇷 gizli

🇰🇷 비밀스러운

🇸🇦 سري

🇨🇿 tajemný

🇸🇰 tajomný

🇨🇳 秘密的

🇸🇮 skrivnosten

🇮🇸 leyndardómsfullur

🇰🇿 құпиялы

🇬🇪 საიდუმლო

🇦🇿 gizli

🇲🇽 reservado

Word origin

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.