furtive
adjectiveGraduateELO 1,550GREGMAT
DEFINITION
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed
WEBSTER'S 1913
Stolen; obtained or characterized by stealth; sly; secret; stealthy; as, a furtive look.
ETYMOLOGY
Latin 'furtum' - theft
IN LITERATURE
“De Craye saw him cast a furtive eye at his heels to make sure he was not followed, and thought, "Jove! he may be fond of her.”
— George Meredith, Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith
IN USE
“Other adjectives discussed by Holmes and Kerouac were "found" and "furtive".”
Test yourself on furtive — and 100,000 other words rated by difficulty
Free · No credit card · 3 sessions/day