English vocabulary · C2
Surreptitious
/ˌsɜrəpˈtɪʃəs/ · adj.
A surreptitious act is done so people will not see or hear it. You try to keep it quiet because someone else might say no.
Watch the Surreptitious lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- She took a surreptitious photo.
- Her surreptitious kiss pleased him.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- sur — secretly (from Latin)
- rept — take (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- SECRET — not known to others (Kept from other people)
- COVERT — not openly shown (Not done in the open)
- SLY — clever about hiding plans (Hiding what you plan)
Similar words
- secret
- covert
- sly
- stealthy
- furtive
Lesson notes
A surreptitious act is done so people will not see or hear it. You try to keep it quiet because someone else might say no.
Related: secret, covert, sly. Use surreptitious when hiding things.
She took a surreptitious photo. Her surreptitious kiss pleased him.
From Latin. Sur- means secretly. Rept- means take. Take one quick look secretly: that is surreptitious.