furtive

[fur-tiv]

adjective

1. taken, done, used, etc., surreptitiously or by stealth; secret.

   a furtive glance.

   Synonyms: covert, clandestine

2. sly; shifty.

   a furtive manner.

   Synonyms: cunning, crafty, underhanded

furtive

/ ˈfɜːtɪv /

adjective

1. characterized by stealth; sly and secretive

Other Word Forms

• furtively adverb
• furtiveness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of furtive¹

First recorded in 1480–90; from Latin furtīvus, equivalent to furt(um) “theft” (compare fūr “thief”) + -īvus -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of furtive¹

C15: from Latin furtīvus stolen, clandestine, from furtum a theft, from fūr a thief; related to Greek phōr thief

Example Sentences

While audiences are focused on one area of the stage, something furtive is happening on another.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Are you panic-stricken? Are your eyes wide? Do you look furtive?” he said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Despite the film’s eerie setting filled with slanting shadows, splattered blood and furtive movements darting just out of frame, Indy provides a visual oasis – thanks to a warm golden coat accented with white markings.

Read more on Salon

He admitted giving a county official dozens of cash payoffs during furtive meetings in cars, restaurants and men’s rooms while reaping lucrative real-estate leases in return.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In between darting to furtive meetings about the fledgling movement, King managed to win the women's doubles at Queen's that week.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• clandestine 
• conspiratorial 
• covert 
• surreptitious