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

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.

From 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.

From 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.

From BBC

Only the occasional woman or old man appears on the streets, making furtive bread runs before quickly heading home; young men are nowhere to be found.

From Los Angeles Times

Theirs is not a wholly furtive relationship, but it is not altogether an open one either.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clandestine 
• conspiratorial 
• covert 
• surreptitious