Definitions
- Describing a quick and secretive movement or action. - Referring to behavior that is intended to be hidden or concealed. - Talking about something done in a way that is sneaky or sly.
- Describing a person who is inclined to keep secrets or withhold information. - Referring to behavior that is intended to keep something hidden or confidential. - Talking about a situation where information is kept private or not shared openly.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe behavior that is intended to be hidden or concealed.
- 2Both words can be used to describe people or actions.
- 3Both words have negative connotations.
- 4Both words suggest a lack of openness or transparency.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Furtive emphasizes the action or movement itself, while secretive emphasizes the intention behind the behavior.
- 2Intensity: Furtive suggests a sense of urgency or nervousness, while secretive suggests a deliberate and calculated effort to keep something hidden.
- 3Scope: Furtive is often used to describe a specific action or behavior, while secretive can refer to a broader pattern of behavior or attitude.
- 4Connotation: Furtive has a more negative connotation, suggesting sneakiness or dishonesty, while secretive can have a neutral or even positive connotation, suggesting privacy or discretion.
- 5Usage: Furtive is more commonly used to describe actions or movements, while secretive is more commonly used to describe people or attitudes.
Remember this!
Furtive and secretive are both words that describe behavior that is intended to be hidden or concealed. However, the difference between them lies in their focus, intensity, scope, connotation, and usage. Furtive emphasizes the action or movement itself, suggesting a sense of urgency or nervousness, while secretive emphasizes the intention behind the behavior, suggesting a deliberate and calculated effort to keep something hidden. Furtive has a more negative connotation, suggesting sneakiness or dishonesty, while secretive can have a neutral or even positive connotation, suggesting privacy or discretion.
