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Secretively Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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secretively

[ˈsiːkrətɪvli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

used in a sentence

In a secretive manner; done in secret or kept hidden from view.

Synonyms

covertly, stealthily, surreptitiously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
secretively

Used when someone is keeping information hidden, often out of shyness or a desire for privacy.

  • He glanced around secretively before sharing the news.
  • She secretively hid the letter in her drawer.
stealthily

Used when someone is moving in a careful, quiet manner to avoid detection.

  • The cat approached the bird stealthily.
  • He stealthily slipped out of the meeting.
covertly

Used when actions are deliberately hidden, often for strategic or deceptive purposes.

  • The agent operated covertly to gather intelligence.
  • They covertly implemented the new policy.
surreptitiously

Used for actions that are carried out secretly, especially because they would not be approved of.

  • She surreptitiously glanced at her phone during the meeting.
  • He surreptitiously recorded the conversation.

Examples of usage

  • He glanced secretively over his shoulder.
  • She smiled secretively, knowing she had a surprise for him.
Context #2 | Adjective

used in a sentence

Characterized by keeping one's thoughts, actions, or intentions hidden.

Synonyms

cryptic, enigmatic, mysterious.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
secretively

This word is best used when describing actions or behaviors done in a hidden or concealed manner to avoid detection.

  • She glanced around secretively before slipping the note into his pocket.
  • He secretively left the house in the middle of the night.
mysterious

Best used for situations where things are unknown, unexplained, or kept in secrecy, often evoking curiosity.

  • There was something mysterious about the old house on the hill.
  • She received a mysterious package with no return address.
enigmatic

Ideal for describing something or someone that is mysterious and difficult to comprehend, often carrying a sense of intrigue.

  • The enigmatic smile on her face made everyone wonder what she was thinking.
  • He was an enigmatic figure, rarely revealing anything about his past.
cryptic

Suitable for situations when describing messages, statements, or behaviors that are deliberately obscure or hard to understand.

  • The message was cryptic, leaving everyone puzzled about its true meaning.
  • Her response was so cryptic that no one could decipher what she really meant.

Examples of usage

  • He had a secretive personality, never revealing too much about himself.
  • The company had a secretive approach to their new product launch.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often act secretively to protect their privacy or to manage their social reputation, especially in sensitive matters.
  • Studies show that sharing secrets with others can create strong bonds, but keeping them can increase anxiety.

Pop Culture

  • Secret societies often feature in films and books as groups that perform actions behind closed doors, driving plot intrigue.
  • Songs like 'Secret' by The Pierces capture themes of hidden relationships and mysteries.

Literature

  • In classic literature, characters often act secretively to create suspense, such as in spy novels or mystery genres.
  • J.K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series frequently showcases secretive behavior, especially in the context of hidden magic and clandestine meetings.

History

  • Throughout history, secretive agendas have shaped political landscapes, causing major events like revolutions and conspiracies.
  • The concept of secrecy has been crucial in espionage, with spies often described as experts in acting secretively to gather information.

Origin of 'secretively'

Main points about word origin

  • The word combines 'secret', which comes from the Latin 'secretus' meaning 'set apart', and the suffix '-ively', which often describes the manner of doing something.
  • Its usage dates back to the early 17th century when it began appearing in English literature.

The word 'secretively' is derived from the word 'secret', which comes from the Latin word 'secretus', meaning 'separate' or 'set apart'. The adverb form 'secretively' developed from the adjective 'secretive', which originated in the early 19th century. The concept of secrecy has been a part of human behavior for centuries, often associated with mystery, intrigue, and hidden intentions.

See also: secrecy, secret, secretary, secrete, secretion, secretive, secretly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,324, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.