secretive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'secretive' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is an adjective that means having or showing a tendency to keep one's thoughts or actions hidden from others. Example sentence: The politician was known for being secretive about his political plans.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The media describes the IPT using terms such as 'a secret closed court'a 'a little-known complaints body'oneofe of the most secretive judicial bodies in the country'thethe UK's most secret court most of whose cases are held in closed session'," Burton said.

The Guardian

But she said the outright denial was exacerbated at Chicago's secretive interrogation and holding facility: "It's very, very rare for anyone to experience their constitutional rights in Chicago police custody, and even more so at Homan Square," Solowiej said.

The Guardian

Predicting events inside this large and secretive clan is notoriously difficult and often described as a sort of Arabian version of Cold War-era Kremlinology.

The Guardian

At this point she leans across to me, and she finally has a warm if secretive smile.

The Guardian - Film

He was never secretive about his past problems.

The Guardian - Film

She was macho in a man's world, determined to work men under the table; fierce in argument, asking no quarter and giving none; in the back row when tact was handed out; impetuous; secretive; inspirational, and utterly dedicated, with a constitution as tough as old boots.

The Guardian

A secretive Russian billionaire has abandoned his libel case against the Economist magazine after it suggested he had benefited from his close relationship with Vladimir Putin, Russia's former president turned prime minister.

The Guardian

Putin, who is fiercely secretive about his private life, has built an image of a robust, active leader through shirtless photo-ops and high-octane stunts.

The Guardian

Police and local media have dismissed their stories, focusing instead on the atmospherics of how secretive the facility is or the rhetoric used to describe it.

The Guardian

While unrelated to the above conflicts, take Jim Molan, former commander of Australian forces in Iraq, supporter of more troops in Afghanistan and key adviser in drafting the secretive Operation Sovereign Borders against asylum seekers.

The Guardian - Opinion

And I'm glad I did – I saw no one else as I wove through pine and larch trees, the secretive Gastern Valley to my right, the clank of cowbells all around and Kandersteg's Belle Epoque Hotel Victoria waiting just ahead.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing organizations, use "secretive" to convey a lack of transparency and openness, particularly when this hinders public understanding or accountability.

Common error

Don't use "secretive" when "private" is more appropriate. "Secretive" implies an active effort to conceal, while "private" simply indicates a desire to keep something personal.

Linguistic Context

The word "secretive" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something or someone that tends to keep secrets or conceal information. Ludwig AI confirms this grammatical role with numerous examples of its usage in context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secretive" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed adjective, as validated by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to describe entities or actions characterized by concealment. While suitable for various contexts, it's crucial to use it accurately to convey intentional concealment, distinguishing it from mere privacy. The analysis of authoritative sources such as The Guardian and The Economist, shows that "secretive" is most often found in news and media contexts. By considering these factors, writers can effectively use "secretive" to add depth and precision to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close-mouthed

Implies a deliberate refusal to talk about something.

reticent

Indicates a disinclination to speak freely; more focused on withholding speech than actively concealing.

covert

Describes something done secretly or in a concealed manner.

uncommunicative

Suggests a lack of willingness or ability to communicate openly.

clandestine

Suggests that something is kept secret or done secretively, especially because it is illicit.

furtive

Suggests an attempt to avoid notice or attention, often due to guilt or suspicion.

stealthy

Implies moving or acting in a cautious and surreptitious manner to avoid detection.

under wraps

Idiomatic expression meaning kept secret until a later time.

behind closed doors

Suggests actions or discussions are kept private from the public or specific individuals.

hush-hush

Informal term for something very secretive or confidential.

FAQs

How can I use "secretive" in a sentence?

You can use "secretive" to describe a person, organization, or process that keeps information hidden. For example, "The company was very secretive about its new product development."

What can I say instead of "secretive"?

You can use alternatives like "reticent", "uncommunicative", or "close-mouthed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "secretive" or "secretous"?

"Secretive" is the correct and commonly used adjective. "Secretous" is not a standard English word.

What's the difference between "secretive" and "mysterious"?

"Secretive" implies an intention to conceal information, while "mysterious" suggests something is difficult to understand or explain, often without an intention to hide.