Meaning & Definition of word "Secretly"
to
Secretly
/ˈsiː.krət.li/
adverb:
- 1. In a secret manner; not openly or publicly; concealed from others.
- Example: She secretly wished to travel the world but never expressed it.
- 2. In a way that is intended to be kept hidden or unknown.
- Example: They secretly planned a surprise party for their friend.
- 3. With the intention of remaining unnoticed or undetected.
- Example: He secretly followed her to see where she was going.
- 4. Without the knowledge of others; done in privacy.
- Example: The two countries secretly negotiated a peace treaty.
- 5. In a hidden or encrypted manner.
- Example: She secretly communicated via coded messages.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'secret' + '-ly' (adverbial suffix)
Common Phrases and Expressions
keep a secret:
To not share information with others.
secretive about:
Being unwilling to share information.
a secret admirer:
Someone who loves or likes another without revealing their identity.
Related Words
secret:
Something kept hidden or unknown.
conceal:
To keep something from being seen or known.
covert:
Not openly acknowledged or displayed.
Slang Meanings of secretly
Meaning: In the shadows
Example Sentence: They were working in the shadows on their project.
Meaning: On the down-low
Example Sentence: He was seeing her on the down-low, no one knew.