Furtive
/ˈfɜːrtɪv/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Furtive means doing something quietly and secretly to avoid being seen or caught. It often suggests that the action is not completely honest or is done because the person feels guilty or scared. People use "furtive" to describe looks, movements, or actions that are quick and hidden.
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See It in Action
Done secretly or quietly to avoid being noticed
- •She gave a furtive glance at the clock during the meeting.
- •The thief made a furtive escape through the back door.
- •He cast a furtive look around before taking the candy.
Suggesting guilt or fear because the action is hidden
- •His furtive behavior made the teacher suspicious.
- •There was a furtive smile on her face when she thought no one was watching.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "furtive" like "quiet," but with a secret or sneaky feeling—someone trying not to be seen or caught
- ✓Picture a cat moving slowly and carefully in the dark, trying not to make noise or be noticed
- ✓It's the feeling when you try to hide a surprise gift or a secret from your friends
- ✓Sounds like "FUR-tive" → imagine a furry animal sneaking quietly through the forest without making a sound
- ✓In stories, furtive characters often sneak around because they are hiding something important or trying to avoid trouble
- ✓NOT like "open" (easy to see or know about); furtive is the opposite—hidden and secret
- ✓NOT like "loud" or "bold"; furtive actions are small, quiet, and careful
- ✓NOT like "accidental" or "careless"; furtive is planned and done with care to avoid notice
Try Other Words
- •Sneaky: acting quietly and secretly (Use when the action is a little dishonest or trying to avoid notice)
- •Secretive: keeping things hidden or not telling others (Use when someone often hides information or feelings)
- •Stealthy: moving quietly to avoid being seen (Use when focusing on quiet movement)
- •Covert: done in a hidden or secret way (Use in formal or serious contexts like military or spying)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix, from whole word)
- •Etymology: From Latin "furtivus," meaning "stolen" or "secret," related to "fur" meaning thief
- •Historical development: Used in English since the 1600s to describe secret or hidden actions, especially those done to avoid being caught
- •Modern usage: Describes quiet, secretive actions or looks, often with a sense of guilt or fear; common in literature and everyday speech
Reflect & Connect
•When might it be good or bad to act furtive? Can you think of times when being secretive helps or hurts?
•How does feeling furtive change the way people act or speak? Have you ever felt you had to be furtive?
Fill in the blanks
1.She gave a furtive glance at the door because she did not want anyone to ___ she was leaving early.
2.His furtive behavior made the teacher ___ that he was hiding something.
3.Unlike a loud and open conversation, a furtive whisper is meant to be ___.
4.The spy moved in a furtive way, trying to avoid ___ by the guards.
5.People often act furtive when they feel ___ or afraid of being caught.
6.A furtive smile usually shows someone is trying to ___ a secret or joke.
7.When someone is furtive, they usually try to keep their actions ___ from others.