Words / C2

FURT-iv/ˈfɜːtɪv/

Furtive means secret and sly, as if ashamed to be seen: a furtive glance, furtive edits. Secret is everyday and can be legitimate; stealthy is close; covert (already in the dictionary) is more operational. Do not call a password-protected ethics folder furtive.

Meaning

Secret and sly, as if not wanting to be noticed.

Examples

• “A furtive edit to the n in the abstract did not survive the appendix.”
• “Secret can be allowed. Sly adds craft. Covert is planned concealment. A glance can be furtive; a protocol can be confidential without being furtive. Changing the n after sign-off is the problem.”

Good to know

Slyly secret. Everyday: secret (wider). Close: stealthy / covert. Confidential filing is not furtive; altering the n is.

Near in meaning

secret

New