Word Of The Day: Surreptitious - Meaning, Usage And Examples
Why do people sometimes try to do things without drawing attention to themselves? It could be quietly checking someone's phone during a meeting or a student taking a quick glance at their notes before an exam. Some actions are carried out in a subtle and secretive manner. People often behave in ways that are discreet, deliberately unnoticed, and intended to avoid embarrassment, escape scrutiny, or simply keep something private. You can describe this kind of behaviour as ' surreptitious '.
It is an adjective used to describe something done secretly or in a way that avoids attracting attention. It commonly refers to actions that are intentionally carried out without being noticed by others.
Origin
The word surreptitious originates from the Latin word surrepticius, meaning "stolen," "secretly obtained," or "done covertly." It is derived from the Latin verb surripere, which means "to seize secretly," "to steal," or "to take away without being noticed." The term entered the English language in the 15th century and was initially used to describe something acquired through secret or improper means.
Over time, its meaning expanded beyond theft to include actions performed secretly or discreetly to avoid attention. Today, surreptitious is commonly used to describe behaviour, movements, conversations, or actions that are deliberately concealed from others.
Pronunciation Of Surreptitious
Synonyms of Surreptitious
Antonyms Of Surreptitious
How Can You Use 'Surreptitious' In A Sentence
Avoid These Mistakes
While using surreptitious, avoid some common mistakes, such as treating it as a synonym for illegal. This is because a surreptitious action may be carried out secretly, but it is not necessarily unlawful. Another common mistake is confusing surreptitious with suspicious. A surreptitious action is one that is done quietly to avoid attention, whereas suspicious refers to something that appears questionable or arouses doubt. Lastly, avoid using this word to describe actions that are openly visible or publicly acknowledged. It is best used for actions that are intentionally performed in a secretive or unnoticed manner.
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It is an adjective used to describe something done secretly or in a way that avoids attracting attention. It commonly refers to actions that are intentionally carried out without being noticed by others.
Origin
The word surreptitious originates from the Latin word surrepticius, meaning "stolen," "secretly obtained," or "done covertly." It is derived from the Latin verb surripere, which means "to seize secretly," "to steal," or "to take away without being noticed." The term entered the English language in the 15th century and was initially used to describe something acquired through secret or improper means.Over time, its meaning expanded beyond theft to include actions performed secretly or discreetly to avoid attention. Today, surreptitious is commonly used to describe behaviour, movements, conversations, or actions that are deliberately concealed from others.
Pronunciation Of Surreptitious
- It is pronounced as sur-uhp-TISH-us.
- The phonetic spelling is /ˌsʌr.əpˈtɪʃ.əs/.
Synonyms of Surreptitious
- Secretive
- Covert
- Stealthy
- Sneaky
- Clandestine
Antonyms Of Surreptitious
- Open
- Overt
- Public
- Obvious
- Transparent
How Can You Use 'Surreptitious' In A Sentence
- She cast a surreptitious glance at her phone during the meeting when no one was paying attention.
- The student took a surreptitious look at his notes before the examination began.
- He made a surreptitious attempt to leave the room without attracting notice.
- The journalist captured a surreptitious photograph of the celebrity while they were out in public.
- Their surreptitious conversations raised suspicions among the rest of the team.
Avoid These Mistakes
While using surreptitious, avoid some common mistakes, such as treating it as a synonym for illegal. This is because a surreptitious action may be carried out secretly, but it is not necessarily unlawful. Another common mistake is confusing surreptitious with suspicious. A surreptitious action is one that is done quietly to avoid attention, whereas suspicious refers to something that appears questionable or arouses doubt. Lastly, avoid using this word to describe actions that are openly visible or publicly acknowledged. It is best used for actions that are intentionally performed in a secretive or unnoticed manner. 
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