单词 | furtive |
释义 | furtive (once / 1024 pages) adj If you're looking for a formal adjective to describe something sly or secret, sneak in furtive. Let's hope the teacher doesn't see your furtive attempts to pass notes in class! The adjective, furtive, is related to fūrtum, the Latin word for theft or robbery. This is apparent as the expressions "to give someone a furtive glance" and "to steal a glance at someone" mean the same thing. If a person's manner is furtive, he or she is acting suspiciously. Secret, stealthy and sly are all similar in meaning, but they lack this image of a thief's actions. WORD FAMILYfurtive: furtively, furtiveness USAGE EXAMPLESMeanwhile, Lowe was planning a furtive operation of his own. The New Yorker(Nov 20, 2016) Marianne and Paul’s bliss is soon rather violently commandeered by wandering glances and furtive caresses. New York Times(Nov 20, 2016) A furtive look, a stunned speechlessness, an admission that sticks in the throat before it can get out — they all communicate volumes here. Seattle Times(Nov 08, 2016) 1adj secret and sly or sordid furtive behavior Syn backstair, backstairs covert secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed 2adj marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed a furtive manner Syn sneak, sneaky, stealthy, surreptitious concealed hidden on any grounds for any motive |
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