Language has the power to convey emotions, intentions, and actions in just a single word. One such rich and expressive word is “furtive.” Whether you’re learning English, improving your vocabulary for writing, or simply love words, furtive is a must-know term that adds subtlety and depth to your communication.
🔍 What Does “Furtive” Mean?
The adjective furtive is defined as:
- Attempting to avoid notice or attention, often due to guilt or the belief that discovery would lead to trouble.
- Behaving in a way that suggests secrecy or nervousness.
Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “done secretly and often dishonestly.”
📖 Source: Cambridge Dictionary – Furtive
🔊 Pronunciation of Furtive
- Phonetic Spelling: /ˈfɜː.tɪv/
- IPA: [ˈfɜːtɪv]
🎧 Listen here: Merriam-Webster – Furtive
✍️ Example Sentences Using “Furtive”
- She gave a furtive glance at her phone during the meeting.
- His furtive behavior raised everyone’s suspicion.
- They exchanged furtive smiles across the crowded room.
🧠 Synonyms of Furtive
To expand your vocabulary, here are some powerful synonyms of “furtive”:
- Secretive
- Sneaky
- Surreptitious
- Stealthy
- Clandestine
- Covert
- Hidden
❌ Antonyms of Furtive
On the flip side, here are some opposite words to “furtive”:
- Open
- Honest
- Transparent
- Blatant
- Direct
- Candid
📚 Word Origin and Etymology
The word furtive comes from the Latin word “furtivus,” which means “stolen” or “theft.” It derives from “furtum” meaning theft, highlighting the association with secrecy or guilt.
🧾 Grammatical Usage of Furtive
Part of Speech: Adjective
Used before a noun to describe the manner or nature of an action.
✅ Correct:
- He made a furtive escape.
- A furtive look passed between them.
❌ Incorrect:
- He looked at her furtive.
📌 Common Phrases with “Furtive”
- Furtive glance
- Furtive whisper
- Furtive movement
- Furtive affair
- Furtive smile
📖 Real-World Usage of Furtive
📰 In News & Journalism:
“Furtive meetings between diplomats” suggest hidden political agendas.
🎥 In Films/Novels:
Used to create suspense and tension in thrillers and mysteries.
💬 In Daily Conversations:
Describes secret actions—like checking your crush’s social media or sneaking an extra cookie!
📈 Why is “Furtive” a Trending Word?
The word furtive is frequently used in crime reports, political commentary, and suspense fiction, which keeps it relevant and trending in Google searches.
It adds emotional depth and subtlety to your speech or writing, which is why it’s increasingly used in content, captions, and storytelling.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🔹 Q1: Can “furtive” have a positive meaning?
A: While often used for secretive or guilty actions, it can also describe shy or sweet gestures like a furtive smile.
🔹 Q2: Is “furtive” a formal word?
A: Yes, it is often used in literature, formal writing, and journalism.
🔹 Q3: What’s the difference between “furtive” and “secretive”?
A: “Furtive” implies sneakiness and guilt, while “secretive” is neutral and means just withholding information.
🧩 Practice Exercise
Fill in the blanks with “furtive” or its synonyms:
- He cast a ______ glance at the answers on his neighbor’s test sheet.
- They had a ______ meeting at midnight.
- She gave a ______ smile when he looked away.
🔗 Useful Resources to Explore
Here are three trusted sources to understand “furtive” in depth:
📝 Writing Tip: When to Use “Furtive”
Use “furtive” when:
- You want to imply secrecy or subtle guilt.
- You’re writing a story and want to create mystery or tension.
- You need to describe an action that’s quick, hidden, or shy.
📋 Summary Table
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Word | Furtive |
| Part of Speech | Adjective |
| Meaning | Secretive, sneaky |
| Usage Context | Literature, journalism, daily speech |
| Synonyms | Sneaky, stealthy, covert |
| Antonyms | Open, honest, transparent |
| Origin | Latin “furtivus” – stolen |
| Example Sentence | She gave a furtive glance at the phone. |
🧠 Final Thoughts
Mastering words like furtive not only enriches your vocabulary but also helps you communicate more clearly, especially when describing subtle emotions or actions. It’s a powerful word for writers, speakers, and English learners alike.
✨ Ready to Expand Your Vocabulary?
📲 Follow our blog for a new word every day!
📚 Be the one who always has the perfect word at the perfect time.
Furtive #WordOfTheDay #VocabularyBuilder #LearnEnglish #DailyEnglish #EnglishGrammar #SmartWords
Would you like this as a Word doc, PDF, or HTML format to upload directly to your blog or WordPress site
