Furtively
/ˈfɜːr.tɪv.li/noun
In a secretive manner intended to avoid notice.
Did you know?Latin furtivus meant “stolen” or “secret,” from fur, “thief,” linking hidden behavior to the ancient image of something secretly carried away.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bher-
“To carry or carry away”
Ancient Latin
Latin
fur
“Thief; one who carries something away secretly”
Classical Latin
Latin
furtivus
“Stolen, secret, clandestine”
Medieval Latin
Latin
furtivus
“Done secretly or stealthily”
16th Century
English
furtive
“Secretive; concealed”
17th Century
English
furtively
“In a furtive or secretive manner”