unobtrusively
- adverb
- /ˌʌnəbˈtruːsɪvli/
- Keep a low profile and leave as unobtrusively as possible.
- unobtrusively recorded
Examples
-
At that point, Steve very unobtrusively closed the folder containing his original proposal.
Academic text (2002) -
Then, quickly, quietly, and unobtrusively, they conveyed the shrouded form into a transport and drove away.
Fiction book (1992) -
Still, it would probably be just as well to edge out unobtrusively and come in through the side entrance.
Fiction book (2002) -
The camera was turned on unobtrusively about ten minutes into the conversation and turned off thirty minutes later.
Fiction book (2002) -
The steward serves coffee as unobtrusively as he can while the meeting continues.
Fiction book (1997) -
Daniel went back down unobtrusively, mumbling as if he had forgotten something.
Fiction book (1995) -
During the discussion, the experimenter remained behind a barrier and unobtrusively recorded the students' comments.
Academic text (1996) -
The catering crew, assisted by the Mackalls' caretaker couple, was unobtrusively cleaning up.
Fiction book (1997) -
The isolated location allowed him to play video games unobtrusively between infrequent summons from members of AJ's group.
Fiction book (2002) -
The artist's signature was placed unobtrusively in the corner of the painting.
Synonyms
In a careful, quiet way so you do not attract attention or make people feel embarrassed
To do something secretly to avoid being noticed
In a quiet, secret way to avoid being seen
Without being easily seen or noticed by other people
In a modest way that does not draw attention
In a simple, modest way without trying to impress others
In a quiet way that does not get attention
Antonyms
How Noticeable
Surface Forms
Morphology
unobtrusively = unobtrusive (transparent) = un + obtrusive + ly
Formed by adding the productive adverbial suffix '-ly' to the adjective 'unobtrusive'; the structure and meaning are regular.
Etymology
The word unobtrusively comes from un- meaning 'not' and obtrude meaning 'to push forward', like the English verb thrust. So to act unobtrusively is to not push yourself forward and to avoid drawing attention.