surreptitiously
gb/sˌɚəptˈɪʃəsli/ us/sˌɚəptˈɪʃəsli/
C1
English
titokban, lopva
C1
FORMAL
1
Usage pattern:
[do something] surreptitiously; surreptitiously + [verb]
He surreptitiously checked his phone under the table during the meeting.
Az értekezlet alatt titokban megnézte a telefonját az asztal alatt.
The student surreptitiously copied answers from a classmate’s paper.
A diák lopva átmásolta a válaszokat egy osztálytársa dolgozatáról.
She surreptitiously slipped the note into his pocket as they walked past.
Learner examples
He surreptitiously looked at the answers.
Lopva megnézte a válaszokat.
She surreptitiously put the key back.
Titokban visszatette a kulcsot.
Common mistake:
Often confused with just "quietly"; "surreptitiously" means secretly, usually to avoid being seen or caught.
Meaning
secretly, avoiding attention
Collocations
surreptitiously took
|surreptitiously slipped
|surreptitiously removed
|surreptitiously copied
|surreptitiously recorded
|surreptitiously filmed
|surreptitiously entered
|surreptitiously glanced
|surreptitiously passed
|surreptitiously met
Synonyms
secretly (More general and common; less formal.)
|
stealthily (Emphasizes moving carefully to avoid detection.)
|
furtively (Suggests nervous, quick, guilty secrecy.)
|
sneakily (More informal; can sound playful or judgmental.)
Antonyms
openly (Done without hiding and without trying to avoid notice.)
|
publicly (Done where others can see; not secret.)
Themes
behavior
|crime_law
|communication
Definition
In a hidden way, so other people do not notice.
In a secret way that is intended to avoid being noticed, especially because the action is disapproved of or not allowed.
Grammar
Dictionary form
surreptitiously
IPA
GB/sˌɚəptˈɪʃəsli/
US/sˌɚəptˈɪʃəsli/
Syllables & stress
sur - repti - tiously (3 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (repti)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: surreptitiously
- Plural: surreptitiouslies
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.