Meaning & Definition
adverb
In a secret manner; not openly or publicly; concealed from others.
She secretly wished to travel the world but never expressed it.
In a way that is intended to be kept hidden or unknown.
They secretly planned a surprise party for their friend.
With the intention of remaining unnoticed or undetected.
He secretly followed her to see where she was going.
Without the knowledge of others; done in privacy.
The two countries secretly negotiated a peace treaty.
In a hidden or encrypted manner.
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.
Slang Meanings
In the shadows
They were working in the shadows on their project.
On the down-low
He was seeing her on the down-low, no one knew.