Meaning & Definition of word "Surreptitious"
to
Surreptitious
/ˌsɜːrəpˈtɪʃəs/
adjective:
- 1. Kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of.
- Example: Their surreptitious meetings raised suspicions among their colleagues.
- 2. Conducted with secrecy or stealth.
- Example: He took a surreptitious glance at the documents on her desk.
- 3. Done or acting in a way that is intended to escape notice.
- Example: The surreptitious surveillance of the suspects was crucial to the investigation.
Etymology
Late Latin 'surreptitius', from 'surrept-', past participle of 'surripere' meaning to seize.
Common Phrases and Expressions
surreptitious glance:
a secretive or stealthy look at something or someone.
surreptitious behavior:
conduct that is secretive or hidden to avoid detection.
surreptitious acquisition:
obtaining something in a hidden or secretive manner.
Related Words
stealth:
the act of moving, proceeding, or acting in a covert way.
covert:
not openly shown or revealed; secret.
clandestine:
characterized by, done in, or executed with secrecy or concealment.
Slang Meanings of surreptitious
Meaning: sneaky
Example Sentence: He pulled off the sneaky plan without anyone noticing.
Meaning: under the radar
Example Sentence: They made under-the-radar changes to the project.