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Stealthiness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stealthiness

[หˆstelฮธinษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

in espionage

The quality of being secretive or sneaky, especially in the context of espionage or covert operations. It involves the ability to move without being detected and to act in a discreet and cunning manner.

Synonyms

cunning, furtiveness, secrecy, sneakiness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stealthiness

Used when describing someone or something that moves in a very quiet and careful way to avoid being seen or heard.

  • The ninja's stealthiness allowed him to infiltrate the enemy base undetected.
  • The cat moved with such stealthiness that it caught the mouse by surprise.
sneakiness

Describes behavior characterized by being dishonest or deceitful to avoid detection, often used with a negative connotation.

  • Her sneakiness was evident when she tried to take credit for his work.
  • There was a sneakiness in his manner that made everyone uneasy.
secrecy

Emphasizes the importance of keeping something hidden or confidential, usually involving the intention to prevent others from knowing.

  • The secrecy surrounding the project made it even more intriguing.
  • He swore her to secrecy about the surprise birthday party.
cunning

Refers to the ability to achieve something by being clever, skillful, and often deceitful, with a slight negative connotation.

  • Her cunning plan to outsmart her competitors worked perfectly.
  • The fox is often portrayed as a cunning animal in folklore.
furtiveness

Highlights a sense of being secretive and avoiding attention, often with a stronger emphasis on suspicion or guilt.

  • His furtiveness made everyone wonder what he was hiding.
  • She glanced around with furtiveness before slipping the note into his bag.

Examples of usage

  • His success in the mission was largely due to his stealthiness.
  • The spy relied on his stealthiness to gather valuable information.
  • The key to their operation was the element of stealthiness.
  • The enemy was taken by surprise by the level of stealthiness displayed by the special forces.
  • She moved with remarkable stealthiness through the enemy territory.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Military Tactics

  • In warfare, tactics focusing on stealthiness are used to avoid detection by enemies, such as camouflage and night operations.
  • Stealth technology in aircraft design minimizes radar visibility, enabling them to complete missions undetected.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that stealthiness can enhance the excitement of certain experiences, like stealth video games, where hiding and sneaking is rewarding.
  • People may exhibit stealthy behavior to reduce conflict or avoid social scrutiny, reflecting intricate social dynamics.

Pop Culture

  • Many video games feature stealthy characters, such as the Assassins in the 'Assassinโ€™s Creed' series, highlighting the thrill of being unnoticed.
  • Movies often portray stealthy protagonists, like spies in the James Bond franchise, emphasizing intelligence and secrecy.

Animal Behavior

  • Many predators, like cats and snakes, exhibit stealth to enhance their hunting success, relying on camouflaging and silent movements.
  • In the animal kingdom, stealth is essential for survival, allowing creatures to avoid detection by both prey and predators.

Origin of 'stealthiness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Old English word 'stวฃle', meaning 'hidden' or 'secret'.
  • It became popular in the English language around the late 1500s, reflecting evolving concepts of secrecy and cunning.

The word 'stealthiness' originated from the Middle English word 'stelthe', meaning 'theft'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the concept of secrecy and cunning behavior. The term gained prominence in the context of espionage and covert operations, where the ability to move undetected and act in a discreet manner became crucial for success.

See also: stealthily, stealthy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,895, 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.