Furtive

Pronunciation: /ˈfɜrtɪv/

Definitions of furtive

adjective characterized by stealth; surreptitious; secretive

Example Sentences

A1 She cast a furtive glance at the teacher before passing a note to her friend.

A2 The furtive movements of the squirrel caught the attention of the curious child.

B1 The spy made a furtive entrance into the enemy's headquarters.

B2 The thief made a furtive attempt to steal the valuable painting from the museum.

C1 The politician made a furtive deal behind closed doors to secure the votes needed for the bill.

C2 The detective observed the suspect's furtive behavior and knew he was hiding something.

Examples of furtive in a Sentence

formal The detective noticed the suspect's furtive movements as he tried to hide something in his pocket.

informal I saw your furtive glances at the party last night, what were you up to?

slang She gave me a furtive wink before slipping out of the room.

figurative The furtive whispers of the forest creatures added to the mysterious atmosphere of the night.

Grammatical Forms of furtive

• past tense: furtived
• plural: furtives
• comparative: more furtive
• superlative: most furtive
• present tense: furtive
• future tense: will be furtive
• perfect tense: has been furtive
• continuous tense: is being furtive
• singular: furtive
• positive degree: furtive
• infinitive: to be furtive
• gerund: furtiving
• participle: furtived

Origin and Evolution of furtive

First Known Use: 1611 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'furtive' originated from the Latin word 'furtivus', which is derived from the verb 'furtum' meaning 'theft'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'furtive' has evolved to not only refer to actions done in a secretive or stealthy manner, but also to describe behavior that is sly or sneaky.