surreptitious

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. adjective marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
  2. adjective conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin surrēptīcius (“furtive, clandestine”), from surrēpō (“to creep along”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

furtive, sneak, sneaky, stealthy

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