Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Sneakily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🕵️
Add to dictionary

sneakily

[ˈsniːkɪli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

adverb

In a secretive or furtive manner, attempting to avoid notice or detection.

Synonyms

furtively, secretively, slyly, stealthily.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
sneakily

Used when someone does something in a mischievous or underhanded way, often to avoid being noticed.

  • He sneakily took a cookie from the jar before dinner
secretively

Used when someone is deliberately hiding information, actions, or intentions from others.

  • They spoke in secretively hushed tones about their plan for the surprise party
furtively

Used when describing an action done in a quiet, secretive manner, often due to fear or guilt.

  • She glanced furtively around the room before slipping the note into his bag
slyly

Used when someone does something in a cunning or deceitful way, often with a hint of trickery.

  • He smiled slyly as he revealed the hidden card up his sleeve
stealthily

Used when someone moves or acts in a way that is quiet and careful, so as not to be detected.

  • The cat moved stealthily through the grass, stalking its prey

Examples of usage

  • He sneakily slipped out of the room before anyone noticed.
  • She sneakily read the text messages on his phone while he was in the shower.
  • The cat sneakily crept up on the bird before pouncing.
  • They sneakily stole a glance at the test answers during the exam.
  • The child sneakily opened the cookie jar when no one was looking.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • 'Sneakily' is often used in movies and books to describe characters who are up to no good, like sneaky spies or thieves.
  • Video games frequently feature characters that can act sneakily, allowing players to complete missions without being detected.
  • The term has been humorously popularized in memes, especially those depicting cats or kids engaged in mischievous activities.

Psychology

  • People might act sneakily when they feel vulnerable or fear consequences, often to avoid conflict or punishment.
  • This behavior can sometimes stem from a lack of communication skills, leading people to feel that sneakiness is their only option.
  • Research shows that children who sneak often are testing boundaries and exploring moral dilemmas about right and wrong.

Literature

  • In classic literature, sneaky characters often symbolize cunning and intelligence, using stealth to outsmart others.
  • Fables and fairy tales often include characters who act sneakily to achieve their goals, teaching lessons about honesty and integrity.
  • Writers use the idea of sneakiness to create tension and suspense, making readers wonder if the character will get caught.

History

  • Throughout history, military strategies often involved sneakily moving troops to surprise the enemy.
  • In ancient times, sneaking was seen as a tactic not just in warfare but also in political maneuvering.
  • Famous historical figures, such as spies in various wars, utilized sneakily gathered intelligence to gain advantages.

Origin of 'sneakily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sneak' comes from the Middle English word 'sneken', which means to hide or move quietly.
  • The addition of the '-ily' suffix turns the action into an adverb, indicating the manner in which one sneaks.
  • The concept of sneaking has been around for centuries, often associated with stealthy movement in both animals and humans.

The adverb 'sneakily' is derived from the verb 'sneak', which originated in the late 16th century, possibly a blend of 'snatch' and 'take'. The suffix '-ly' is added to the base word 'sneaky' to form the adverb 'sneakily'. The word has evolved over time to describe actions done in a secretive or furtive manner, often with the intention of avoiding notice or detection.

See also: sneak, sneakers, sneakiness, sneaking, sneaky.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,508, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.