secretively

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "secretively" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions done in a hidden or covert manner, often implying a lack of transparency or openness. Example: "She secretively planned the surprise party, ensuring that no one would find out about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

China imposes no such burden on legislators; officials are subject only to patchily and secretively enforced requirements to report their incomes.

The Economist

It has been negotiated secretively and outside established international trade bodies (despite EU criticisms).

The Economist

Alas, it turns out that the proposals will not reach parliament for several months yet.George Kassimeris, a Greek journalist who this month published a book in English about November 17th called "Europe's Last Red Terrorists", says the group stays unscathed partly because, unlike Italy's Red Brigades and Germany's Red Army Faction, it has remained small and secretively close-knit.

The Economist

Traditionally, the elite have made decisions secretively and been loth to explain them, least of all to traders.

The Economist

And it makes it all the more important that his government is clearly accountable to parliament and acts less secretively than it did when in a minority.In victory Mr Harper insisted that he will spend the next four years "governing for all Canadians".

The Economist

There was little popular enthusiasm for costly ventures in foreign policy or expensive social reforms; the major exception the conquest of colonial empire had to be accomplished somewhat secretively and with limited resources.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her upper lip pressed secretively against her lower one, and a red bodice peeked out from underneath a green dress.

The New Yorker

"Is Julian still there?" she asked urgently, secretively.

The New Yorker

When Hattie asked Lottie about it, Lottie only made one of her horrible new gestures, folding her hands together and letting her head droop, smiling secretively into her lap.

The New Yorker

In interviews, other lawyers told me how he dismissed their views, mocked their softness if they championed international law, and worked secretively and, one of them said, viciously, to outmaneuver critics.

The New Yorker

High above them, on the top of a steel truss that arched over the stage, lay one dancer, Cassandre Joseph, who peered down secretively at her companions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "secretively" to add a layer of intrigue or suspicion to your narrative. It suggests that the subject is intentionally concealing something, which can heighten tension and reader engagement.

Common error

Don't use "secretively" when you simply mean something is private or confidential. "Secretively" implies an active effort to conceal, not just a lack of public knowledge. For example, avoid saying "He secretively shared the document" when "He confidentially shared the document" is more appropriate if the intent was discretion, not deception.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "secretively" modifies verbs to describe actions carried out in a hidden or covert manner. It adds detail by indicating how something is done, emphasizing the concealment or lack of transparency involved. Ludwig examples show it modifying verbs like 'enforced', 'planned', 'worked' etc.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "secretively" is a grammatically sound adverb used to describe actions done in a hidden or covert manner. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage. The word appears frequently in News & Media, highlighting its relevance in describing events involving concealment or lack of transparency. While related to words like "covertly" and "furtively", "secretively" carries a distinct emphasis on the act of keeping something unknown. To use "secretively" effectively, ensure the context supports the implication of intentional concealment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

covertly

Emphasizes the intention to conceal or disguise actions, often for strategic reasons.

furtively

Suggests an attempt to avoid being noticed due to guilt or fear.

surreptitiously

Highlights the stealthy nature of an action, often to avoid detection.

clandestinely

Implies that the action is illegal or forbidden.

stealthily

Focuses on the quiet and careful manner in which an action is performed.

underhandedly

Suggests deception and a lack of moral principles.

privately

Highlights that the action is not public, but does not necessarily imply deceit.

confidentially

Suggests that information is shared with trust and discretion.

discreetly

Focuses on avoiding attention or causing embarrassment.

in secret

Simply indicates that an action is performed without others knowing.

FAQs

How can I use "secretively" in a sentence?

You can use "secretively" to describe actions done in a hidden or covert manner. For example: "She "secretively" planned the surprise party, ensuring that no one would find out about it."

What can I say instead of "secretively"?

You can use alternatives like "covertly", "furtively", or "surreptitiously" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "secretively planned" or "secretly planned"?

Both "secretively planned" and "secretly planned" are grammatically correct, but "secretly planned" is more common. "Secretively" adds a slightly stronger emphasis on the act of concealing the planning.

What is the difference between "secretively" and "discreetly"?

"Secretively" implies an active effort to hide something, while "discreetly" suggests handling something with sensitivity and avoiding attention or embarrassment. "Secretively" often carries a negative connotation of deception, which "discreetly" lacks.