furtively

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "furtively" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb which means acting or done in a way that is secretive or careful to avoid being seen. For example, "The thief furtively crept into the room and grabbed a valuable item."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A popular Facebook page run by an Iranian expat journalist hosting photos Iranian women have furtively snapped of themselves sans-headscarf has caused a conservative uproar.

The Guardian

All he ever did back then was blink and stutter and furtively unwrap mints that had long since gone warm in his pocket.

The Guardian

Instead, they glanced furtively at each other in silence.

The Guardian

I love the people who disdain the spectacle while tapping their feet furtively in their loungerooms.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

By night they furtively game the options for making post-election deals when they fall short of an overall majority.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not just smoking furtively on the terrasse, or near the door, but waving great big, full-blown fags about in the middle of the room.

The Guardian

Often, when a public figure is caught furtively leaving someone else's home under the cloak of darkness, it's because a tryst has taken place.

The Guardian

Rather more furtively, he quoted Bagehot's faith in the "stupidity" of the English, by which he meant a stolid resistance to novelty, and thus to the wilder excesses of ideology.St John-Stevas was an elitist, sometimes outrageously so.

The Economist

They love each other ardently and furtively until her husband-to-be discovers them.

The Economist

ON DARK evenings in late 1916, a frail 76-year-old man could often be seen shuffling furtively between The Dove, a pub in west London, and the green and gold turrets of Hammersmith Bridge.

The Economist

Mr Kim likes to travel furtively and China grudgingly humours him.But Mr Kim's train, say South Korea's media, did chug over the border into the Chinese city of Dandong on May 3rd and from there headed to the nearby port of Dalian.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing actions meant to remain hidden, use "furtively" to add a layer of intrigue or suspense to your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "furtively" when simply describing quiet or gentle actions. "Furtively" implies secrecy, potential wrongdoing, or a desire to avoid being noticed, not just a lack of noise.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "furtively" primarily functions to modify verbs, adding detail about the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that the action is carried out secretly or stealthily, often to avoid detection. Ludwig confirms that "furtively" is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "furtively" is a versatile adverb used to describe actions performed secretly or stealthily, usually to avoid detection. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When using "furtively", ensure you're accurately conveying the intent of secrecy or hidden behavior, and consider alternatives like "secretively" or "surreptitiously" for subtle differences in meaning. "Furtively" is a descriptive choice to add intrigue to your writing, as long as used accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secretively

Emphasizes the act of keeping something hidden or private.

surreptitiously

Highlights the attempt to avoid detection or notice.

covertly

Suggests an action done in a concealed or disguised manner.

stealthily

Focuses on moving or acting quietly and carefully.

clandestinely

Implies an action done in secret, often because it is illicit.

secretly

A more general term for doing something not openly.

on the sly

An informal way of saying something is done discreetly.

under the radar

Suggests avoiding attention or scrutiny.

in a secretive manner

A more descriptive way of expressing furtiveness.

discreetly

Emphasizes acting in a way to avoid causing embarrassment or attracting too much attention.

FAQs

How can I use "furtively" in a sentence?

Use "furtively" to describe actions done in a secretive or stealthy manner, such as: "He "furtively" glanced around before slipping the note under the door".

What words are similar to "furtively"?

Alternatives to "furtively" include "secretively", "surreptitiously", and "covertly". Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone "furtively smiled"?

Yes, "furtively smiled" can be used to describe a smile that is hidden or secretive, perhaps suggesting amusement at something that others are not aware of.

What is the difference between "furtively" and "quietly"?

"Quietly" refers to a lack of noise, while "furtively" describes actions done in a secretive manner, intending to avoid being noticed. You might move quietly to avoid disturbing someone, but move "furtively" to avoid being seen.