Dérobé (en. Stolen)

/de.ʁo.be/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
adjective
Refers to something that has been taken or acquired secretly.
He used a stolen word when talking about his intentions.
Il a utilisé un mot dérobé en parlant de ses intentions.
Qualifies an action carried out discreetly.
She made a discreet remark to her neighbor.
Elle a fait une remarque dérobée à son voisin.
That which is hidden or concealed.
Her true intentions remained hidden.
Ses véritables intentions restaient dérobées.

Etymology

Comes from the verb 'to steal', which means 'to take secretly'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to act secretly
To act in a discreet or secret manner.
agir à la dérobée
secret glance
Stealthy look, avoiding direct contact.
regard dérobé
discreet words
Words spoken discreetly or under the radar.
paroles dérobées

Related Words

to steal
To take something from someone without them noticing.
dérober
stealthy
One who acts discreetly, hiding.
furtif
to hide
To put something out of sight.
cacher

Slang Meanings

To act without being noticed.
He did all that secretly, without anyone noticing.
Il a fait tout ça de manière dérobée, sans que personne ne s'en aperçoive.
To mention something without naming it directly.
She made discreet allusions to her ex-boyfriend.
Elle a fait des allusions dérobées à son ancien petit ami.