adj

furtive

FUR-tihv

Furtive (adj) means Done secretly or slyly, often to avoid detection. Example: “He gave a furtive glance over his shoulder before slipping through the door.”

adj

Done secretly or slyly, often to avoid detection.

"He gave a furtive glance over his shoulder before slipping through the door."

"Their furtive whispers made the teacher suspicious."

How to use furtive

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSneaky and secretive, as if trying not to be noticed or caught.

Common pairings

furtive glance furtive look furtive movement

Word forms

more furtive comparative, most furtive superlative

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He gave a _____ glance over his shoulder before slipping through the door.

Etymology

From Latin furtivus ("stolen, secret, hidden"), from furtum ("theft"), from fur ("thief").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for furtive

five give dive live olive drive alive strive derive active arrive native

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Frequently asked questions

What does “furtive” mean?

The word “furtive” means done secretly or slyly, often to avoid detection. In plain terms, sneaky and secretive, as if trying not to be noticed or caught.

How do you pronounce “furtive”?

“Furtive” is pronounced FUR-tihv (/ˈfɝtɪv/ in IPA).

How do you use “furtive” in a sentence?

Here is “furtive” used in a sentence: “He gave a furtive glance over his shoulder before slipping through the door.”

What part of speech is “furtive”?

“Furtive” is an adjective.

Where does the word “furtive” come from?

The word “furtive” comes from Latin. From Latin furtivus ("stolen, secret, hidden"), from furtum ("theft"), from fur ("thief").