Secretly

/ˈsiː.krət.li/

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.

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

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.