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
1
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 notesIn plain EnglishSneaky and secretive, as if trying not to be noticed or caught.
Common pairings
furtive glance
furtive look
furtive movement
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more furtive
- Superlative
- most furtive
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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").
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for furtive
See all rhymes for furtive →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").
