adj
furtive
FUR-tihv
adj
1
Done secretly or slyly, often to avoid detection.
"He gave a furtive glance over his shoulder before slipping through the door."
"Their furtive whispers made the teacher suspicious."
How to Use Furtive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSneaky and secretive, as if trying not to be noticed or caught.
Common pairings
furtive glance
furtive look
furtive movement
Word Forms
more furtive comparative, most furtive superlative
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He gave a _____ glance over his shoulder before slipping through the door.
Etymology
From Latin furtivus ("stolen, secret, hidden"), from furtum ("theft"), from fur ("thief").