What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
furtive
Example
He cast a furtive glance at the door before slipping out. [furtive: adjective]
Example
She made a furtive attempt to grab the cookie when no one was looking. [furtively: adverb]
secretive
Example
He was always so secretive about his personal life. [secretive: adjective]
Example
The company was accused of being too secretive about its financial dealings. [secretively: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Secretive is more commonly used than furtive in everyday language. Secretive is a versatile word that can be used to describe people, attitudes, or situations, while furtive is less common and tends to be used more narrowly to describe specific actions or movements.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between furtive and secretive?
Both furtive and secretive are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as legal or business settings. However, furtive may be perceived as more informal due to its association with sneaky or sly behavior.
