furtively
5
6.8
- adverb
- /ˈfɜrtɪvli/
:
furtivamente
- He furtively glanced over his shoulder to make sure no one was watching.
- glanced furtively
- looked furtively
- moved furtively
Examples
-
I went to the rail to smoke a naval cigarette, furtively biting the end to light it.
Fiction book (1996) -
His father formed the rear guard of their procession, furtively glancing back and then side to side.
Fiction book (1999) -
You think they would hold me?" Roman looked furtively around the room.
Fiction book (2000) -
Checking first to make sure the coast is clear, he steps furtively inside.
Fiction book (1995) -
Throughout dinner, he avoided looking at me and served himself furtively rather than admit to being hungry.
Fiction book (1995) -
I moved away from the animal and glanced furtively in your direction.
Fiction book (1998) -
Downstairs, she moved about furtively, wanting not to disturb the young man.
Fiction book (1997) -
At first, people in the line glanced furtively at me and the trunks and then quickly looked away.
Fiction book (1991) -
Razorhead's House, Utah, sucks up against the wall as Warchild looks furtively out the window.
Fiction book (1991) -
One of the guests furtively slides his presidential bumper sticker behind the onion dip.
Fiction book (1993)
Synonyms
261
1.4
In a way that other people do not know
33
5.1
In a careful, quiet way so you do not attract attention or make people feel embarrassed
17
6.9
In a secret way so other people do not know
17
8.3
To do something secretly to avoid being noticed
9
7.8
In a secret way so other people do not know
8
5.7
In a quiet, secret way to avoid being seen
4
8.0
In a secret way to avoid being seen or found
2
4.9
In a secret way so other people do not notice
2
6.5
Without being easily seen or noticed by other people
1
6.1
In a quiet way that hides what you do or think
1
8.6
In secret and quietly so nobody finds out
To act in a secret way so people do not notice you
In a secret or suspicious way
In a quiet way that does not get attention
In a sideways, cautious way to avoid attention
Speak quietly so other people nearby do not hear you
Antonyms
How Secretly
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Furtively comes from the old Latin words fur ('thief') and furtum ('theft'), which give the idea of stealing quietly. So, to do something furtively is like a thief: to do it quietly and secretly to avoid notice.