What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
covertly
Example
He was covertly watching her from across the room. [covertly: adverb]
Example
The company was accused of covertly manipulating the stock market. [covertly: adverb]
secretly
Example
She secretly admired him from afar. [secretly: adverb]
Example
He was secretly planning a surprise party for his wife. [secretly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Secretly is more commonly used than covertly in everyday language. Secretly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while covertly is less common and often used in more formal or professional settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between covertly and secretly?
Covertly is typically associated with a more formal or professional tone, while secretly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
