secretly

[ see-krit-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is kept from the knowledge of others or is designed to escape their notice:

   He later discovered that the couple had secretly married in a discreet ceremony six months ago.

   Many of the wood and stone looks you see in homes every day are secretly vinyl flooring.

Other Words From

• non·se·cret·ly adverb
• qua·si-se·cret·ly adverb
• sem·i·se·cret·ly adverb
• ul·tra·se·cret·ly adverb
• un·se·cret·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of secretly¹

secret ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

The BBC secretly recorded 25 pubs, bars and clubs in London that actively promoted their involvement in the Ask for Angela initiative, including branches of major pub chains as well as independent venues.

From BBC

Police in Spain had been secretly recording Marks's phone calls and Lovato was sent over where he listened to hundreds of hours of Marks' calls.

From BBC

Prosecutors did not name or charge the woman, but allege she was secretly in contact with Iza and used money he gave her to buy drugs, which were later found in R.C.’s car.

From Los Angeles Times

They serve their superiors reliably yet sometimes secretly, occasionally contravening their superiors' domestic interests by distorting what they tell them about bargains being struck with adversaries to hold off blood-dimmed tides.

From Salon

I secretly loved how the flower craned skyward, never quick to diminish its presence, what I considered its sharp elegance.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clandestinely
• covertly
• furtively
• personally
• privately
• quietly
• stealthily
• surreptitiously