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Sneaking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sneaking

[ˈsniː.kɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in a stealthy manner

Moving or acting in a secretive or surreptitious way, typically to avoid being noticed or caught.

Synonyms

creeping, slinking, slipping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sneaking

Used when someone is moving stealthily to avoid being noticed, often to do something they should not be doing.

  • He was sneaking into the kitchen to grab a cookie
  • She caught him sneaking out after curfew
creeping

Describes moving slowly and carefully to avoid detection or to approach cautiously; can imply something eerie or unsettling.

  • The cat was creeping towards the birds
  • A sense of dread was creeping over her
slipping

Involves moving quietly and quickly, often to get past someone or something without being noticed.

  • She was slipping through the crowd unnoticed
  • He slipped out of the meeting room quietly
slinking

Implies moving in a guilty or ashamed manner, usually with an attempt to be unnoticed.

  • He was slinking away after being scolded
  • She slinked past her parents, hoping they wouldn’t see her

Examples of usage

  • He was sneaking around the house trying to find out where the noise was coming from.
  • She was sneaking chocolates from the jar when no one was looking.
Context #2 | Noun

deception

The action of behaving in a deceitful or underhanded manner.

Synonyms

deception, dishonesty, slyness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sneaking

Used when someone is moving quietly and secretly to avoid being noticed, usually to do something they know they shouldn't.

  • He was sneaking out of the house late at night.
  • She caught him sneaking a cookie from the jar.
deception

Used in situations involving deliberately making someone believe something that is not true, often with negative implications.

  • His deception was uncovered by the auditors.
  • She realized his kind words were just a part of his deception.
slyness

Describes a cunning and deceitful manner, often with a sense of cleverness that is not always perceived as entirely negative but is still untrustworthy.

  • His slyness helped him win the game.
  • She admired his slyness in negotiating the deal.
dishonesty

Refers to the act of not being truthful or fair, often related to lying, cheating, or stealing.

  • The company's dishonesty became evident after the scandal.
  • Her dishonesty caused a rift in their friendship.

Examples of usage

  • The sneaking around behind my back made me distrustful of his intentions.
  • His constant sneaking and lying eventually caught up with him.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In many movies, sneaking is often depicted in heist scenes, creating suspense and excitement.
  • Cartoons often portray character sneaking with exaggerated tiptoeing and comical expressions, emphasizing humor.
  • The term has been popular in video games, where players often sneak to complete missions undetected.

Psychology

  • Sneaking can be a sign of impulsivity, often seen in children who might sneak snacks when they want to eat.
  • It can also indicate a desire for autonomy, as sneaking allows individuals to feel a sense of independence.
  • Psychological studies show that behaviors associated with sneaking relate to testing boundaries and self-regulation.

Literature

  • Many classic tales feature characters who sneak around to discover secrets or escape danger, creating tension.
  • Sneaking has been a common theme, from Robin Hood to modern thrillers, symbolizing courage against authority.
  • In children's literature, sneaking often leads to humorous situations, highlighting the playful nature of curiosity.

Science

  • Animals often employ sneaking in the wild to hunt or avoid predators, demonstrating survival strategies.
  • Research in animal behavior shows that stealth can enhance hunting success for species that rely on surprise.
  • In humans, the act of sneaking engages brain areas related to decision making and impulse control.

Origin of 'sneaking'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sneak' comes from the Middle English 'sneken,' meaning to crawl or slink.
  • In Old Norse, 'sniga' meant to move stealthily, connecting to the modern sense of being quiet and secretive.
  • The word evolved through the centuries, adding an element of stealth associated with trickery.

The word 'sneaking' originated from the Middle English word 'sneke', which means to creep or crawl slowly and secretly. Over time, the meaning evolved to include acting in a secretive or deceitful manner. The word has been used in English language since the 15th century.

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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,304, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.