What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
furtively
Example
He furtively glanced at his phone while his boss wasn't looking. [furtively: adverb]
Example
She furtively slipped the candy into her pocket when the store clerk wasn't looking. [furtively: adverb]
secretly
Example
She secretly planned a surprise party for her friend's birthday. [secretly: adverb]
Example
He secretly admired her from afar, too shy to confess his feelings. [secretly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Secretly is more commonly used than furtively in everyday language. Secretly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while furtively is less common and is typically used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between furtively and secretly?
Both furtively and secretly can be used in formal and informal contexts, but furtively may be perceived as more informal due to its negative connotation.
