Surreptitious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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surreptitious
[ˌsʌr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs ]
Definition
secret
done, made, or acquired by stealth; acting or doing something clandestinely; obtained, made, or done by stealth; secret or unauthorized; clandestine
Synonyms
clandestine, covert, furtive, secret, stealthy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| surreptitious |
Used when something is done secretly, especially because it would not be approved of.
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| secret |
A broad term used to describe anything that is intentionally kept hidden from others.
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| clandestine |
Describes activities that are kept secret, especially because they are illegal.
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| covert |
Refers to actions that are hidden or not openly acknowledged, often used in military or spy contexts.
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| stealthy |
Describes actions performed cautiously and secretly to avoid detection, often used with a focus on physical movement.
|
| furtive |
Implying a sense of nervousness or guilt about being caught. Often used to describe actions that are sneaky or sly.
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Examples of usage
- He made a surreptitious entrance into the building.
- She cast a surreptitious glance at her watch during the boring meeting.
- The spy gathered information through surreptitious means.
- The detective uncovered the suspect's surreptitious activities.
- The thief made a surreptitious escape from the crime scene.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that secretive behaviors can be linked to feelings of guilt or anxiety.
- Engaging in covert actions can sometimes lead to a paradox of increased anxiety due to fear of being discovered.
- Surreptitious actions in social settings may suggest a lack of trust or fear of rejection.
Literature
- Surreptitious behavior is often a theme in classic literature, such as in spy novels where characters operate under secrecy.
- Famous literary figures like Dr. Jekyll engaged in surreptitious experimentation, symbolizing the struggle between two sides of personality.
- The word frequently appears in descriptions of characters who operate covertly, adding an air of mystery.
History
- During the Cold War, espionage activities were often surreptitious, involving spies gathering intelligence without detection.
- Surreptitious strategies were essential for resistance movements, such as those during World War II, which utilized covert operations to sabotage enemies.
- In ancient Rome, clandestine messages were often exchanged surreptitiously to avoid interception by authorities.
Pop Culture
- Many movies feature surreptitious characters who engage in espionage, making them thrilling to watch.
- Popular TV shows often showcase secret societies that operate surreptitiously to manipulate events behind the scenes.
- The term gained attention in songs that explore themes of hidden love or secret relationships.
Origin of 'surreptitious'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'surreptitius', meaning 'taken secretly'.
- It is derived from 'surripere', which means 'to seize secretly'.
- It started being used in English in the 17th century, initially in legal contexts.
The word 'surreptitious' originated in the early 17th century from the Latin word 'surrepticius', which means 'stolen' or 'secret'. It evolved to its current meaning of something done in a secret, stealthy manner. The term has been used in literature and everyday language to describe actions or behaviors that are sneaky, hidden, or unauthorized.