1
Core quality
Secretive and cautious in an attempt to avoid being noticed or discovered.
Example
A furtive glance suggested that he recognized the object.
furtive
/ˈfɜːtɪv/ · FUR-tivadjective
Secretive and cautious in an attempt to avoid being noticed or discovered.
Use furtive to express this relationship precisely: secretive and cautious in an attempt to avoid being noticed or discovered.
What furtive Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
The documents were passed in a furtive exchange.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
Her movements appeared hurried but not furtive.
Use furtive Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
A furtive glance suggested that he recognized the object.
The documents were passed in a furtive exchange.
Her movements appeared hurried but not furtive.
Precision Matters
Furtive overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
furtive
vs.Means secretive and cautious in an attempt to avoid being noticed or discovered.
surreptitious
Means done secretly to avoid notice or disapproval.
furtive
vs.Means secretive and cautious in an attempt to avoid being noticed or discovered.
tacit
Means understood, accepted, or implied without being directly spoken or written.
furtive
vs.Means secretive and cautious in an attempt to avoid being noticed or discovered.
explicit
Means stated directly and with complete clarity.
furtive
vs.Means secretive and cautious in an attempt to avoid being noticed or discovered.
conspicuous
Means easily noticed or attracting attention.
Test furtive in Context
The attempt is secretive and intended to escape notice.
1
The assistant made a ___ attempt to remove the file while everyone else was distracted.